Tom Brady couldn't believe his eyes as he watched England take on Slovakia in their Round of 16 matchup at Euro 2024 .
With England looking set to be eliminated from the tournament in humiliating style, it looked like all hope was lost for the Three Lions as the six minutes in stoppage time ticked away. However, Jude Bellingham came to the rescue in one last final attempt with just seconds remaining in the match.
The ball was flicked in Bellingham's direction from a throw-in, and the Real Madrid star pulled off an incredible bicycle kick, firing the ball into the bottom cormer as the Slovak goalkeeper Martin Dubravka just looked on in shock. The goal gave England new life and revitalized the crowd on hand, along with the NFL legend.
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"Jude," along with four exploding heads emojis was all Brady could muster in an X post as he watched Bellingham save the tournament favorites from an embarrassing finish in Germany. The goal held particular significance for the Birmingham City part-owner, as Bellingham came through the team's academy. Shortly after Bellingham's masterful goal, the referees signaled the end of the game before extra time.
Coming into extra time, it appeared as if England was energized by their star's improbable goal as Gareth Southgate 's side came out more aggressive than it had earlier in the game. About a minute after extra time, Cole Palmer crossed the ball and after a few players headed the ball out and then back into the box, it somehow ended up in Harry Kane's area.
Fighting off a Slovak defender, England's captain headed the ball in past the outstretched arms of Dubravka to give his side the 2-1 lead just minutes into extra time. Upon seeing Kane's goal, Brady provided another excited response on X.
"Harry!!! What a game!!!" the seven-time Super Bowl champion wrote after seeing England take the lead. The goal gave the England captain his 65th goal in 94 appearances.
Kane's goal continued to separate him from the rest of the legends who have played for the side throughout its history. He is the Three Lions all-time leading goalscorer, sitting 12 more than legendary forward Wayne Rooney.
This turn of events was exactly what Slovakia was avoiding, especially with so much on the line. It appeared as if the Slovaks would have the upper hand after Ivan Schranz fired the side ahead in the 25th minute, much to the surprise of England and the fans in the stands.
England were stunned by the goal and it appeared as if Southgate's side was reeling for most of the match as a result. The team played conservatively and were afraid to make too many moves, constantly passing the ball instead of attacking the goalkeeper.
Bellingham's goal breathed life into a lifeless squad and gave them a jolt. Kane's header allowed the side to relax slightly, knowing there was separation between the two sides.
Despite Slovakia's attempts in extra time, England held on to win, 2-1, dispelling any chatter of a failed tournament for the time being. It remains to be seen who the Three Lions will face in the quarter finals.
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