Jude Bellingham has praised the mentality of England after the Three Lions came from behind to beat the Netherlands in their Euro 2024 semi-final.
England will face Spain in the decider in Berlin this weekend after a 2-1 comeback win against the Dutch on Wednesday evening.
Xavi Simons’ seventh-minute stunner had fired the Netherlands ahead in the tie, before Harry Kane levelled from the penalty spot 11 minutes later.
England dominated the first half and were the better team for much of the contest, as Phil Foden had an effort cleared from the goal-line and struck the woodwork with another from distance. The Netherlands hit the bar through Denzel Dumfries’ header, though it was England who were largely in the ascendancy during an improved performance.
The winner arrived in the 90th minute as substitutes Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins combined, with the latter running on to a ball in behind from Palmer and firing an inch-perfect finish past Bart Verbruggen.
England progress to a second successive European Championship final – and first major tournament decider on foreign soil – despite an up-and-down campaign to date. Gareth Southgate’s side have trailed in all three of their knockout round games before turning them around and Bellingham said the side’s mental resilience can not be taught.
“We told you last time we live to fight another day. Another late goal, but it would be nice to score first and have that peace of mind,” Bellingham said, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live:
“When they scored the first goal I didn’t think we were playing badly, it was a good finish to be fair.
“I am really proud of the boys. The reaction, attitude and mentality. Quality is one thing, but those characteristics you cannot learn in training – you get it from experience and each other.
“Now it is one more game. We are tired, it has been a long season, but this is one last push for our country and for history.”
