Gelsenkirchen, Germany: As one of the most exciting soccer players in the world, Jude Bellingham's wonder goal against Slovakia on Sunday was what many have come to expect from the England star. His decision to mark the moment by referring to a speech by former U.S.
president Theodore Roosevelt, however, seemed a less likely move from someone who only celebrated his 21st birthday on Saturday. Bellingham's overhead kick in the fifth minute of stoppage time rescued England after it had trailed Slovakia 1-0 in the round of 16 at the European Championship. It sent the game into extra time and Harry Kane sealed a 2-1 win, meaning England will play Switzerland in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
Bellingham later posted part of a speech by Roosevelt on his Instagram channel, likely in response to the fierce criticism the England team has received at Euro 2024. The excerpt of the speech, commonly known as "The Man in the Arena” begins with the statement "It is not the critic who counts” and goes on to say "The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.” It has often been cited as an inspiration by top U.
S. athletes, including Tom Brady and LeBron James - who has said he writes "Man in the Arena” on his shoes before every game - but is less well known in Britain. England's players have been booed by fans during the Euros because of the team's unconvincing performances in Germany.
Former national team captain and now BBC presenter Gary Lineker used an expletive on hi.