That 1966 is hovering around England players‘ heads like a volture for decades now. The only one title (and with controversy) in all these years created a high pressure on all generations before Harry Kane and co. The lost EURO 2020 final at Wembley just took the pressure to a complete new level and before this year‘s tournament, the Three Lions were considered to be the favorites to win the tournament. But they found themselves on the brink of an embarrassing defeat against Slovakia in the Round of 16 before Jude Bellingham saved them seconds before the match with a stunning equalizer, which Harry Kane turned in to a victory in overtime.Gareth is so horrific that he’s actually the best English manager everThe Real Madrid midfielder did his magic with poise but had to admit that the pressure was huge and was glad that it‘s over now.“It’s a feeling that is like no other. In international football, in knockout football, it’s even a worse feeling, because you’re 30 seconds from going home, having to listen to all the rubbish, feeling like you have let a nation of people down. In one kick of the ball, everything can change. It’s a feeling I don’t like to have but when it’s done, it feels great. It’s a habit I’ve picked up from Madrid. Obviously my game has improved a lot since I’ve joined and I’m grateful I could bring it to this game“ he said after the game.EURO 2024: The Three Lions are not cats, but they have nine lives!England‘s international had to get deeper about the ‘rubbish‘ remarks and opened up about expectations back home and the critics he and his teammates are hearing every day.”Playing for England should be the most proud moment of your career but often it’s quite difficult. There’s a really high intense pressure. The fans expect a lot from us regardless of what happened in recent tournaments years and years ago. People talk a lot. You do have to take it personally a little bit. We work so hard at this game. We come in every day, we work hard to put on a performance for the fans, sometimes it doesn’t go well and sometimes it feels like there’s a a bit of a pile on, it’s not nice to hear. But you can always use it and for moments like that, it’s nice to throw it back to some people. The adrenaline gets you. It’s a combination of a lot of things. Playing for England is an enjoyable feeling but it’s also a lot of pressure. For me, football, being on the pitch, scoring goals and celebrating is my release. Maybe it was a message to a few people. I was very happy at the end, lots of adrenaline“ said Bellingham.EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP – 1/8 FINALSSundayEngland – Slovakia 2-1 (0-1) AET/Bellingham 90+5, Kane 91 – Schranz 25/Spain – Georgia 4-1 (1-1)/Rodri 39, Ruiz 51, Williams 75, Olmo 83 – Le Normand 18 og/Monday19.00: (1.95) France (3.40) Belgium (4.70)22.00: (1.43) Portugal (4.75) Slovenia (9.10)Tuesday19.00: (8.25) Romania (4.30) Netherlands (1.50)22.00: (1.95) Austria (3.50) Turkey (4.50)***odds are subject to change***
