Jude Bellingham gave a stern message to his critics following his spectacular goal for England in their 2-1 victory over Slovakia on Sunday.

The Three Lions faced elimination from the competition when Ivan Schranz put the minnows ahead in the 25th minute.

With only 85 seconds remaining in the game, Bellingham delivered a spectacular overhead kick to spare England’s blushes.

Just one minute into extra time, Harry Kane scored the winning goal with a close-range header for Bayern Munich.

Bellingham has been chastised for his uneven efforts during the tournament thus far.

However, following his team’s success, the England star has responded by stating that he believes in his own abilities.

“I know what I can deliver in those moments,” he told me.

“Regardless of what people think, I’ve done it for Madrid this year, as well as for England in the past. I’m just pleased to help the team.

“A good win, moving on to the next round. Very happy.

“It’s been difficult the past week or so to keep bad energy out of the camp. I believe they will be ready for us today.

“We demonstrated the character that England has missed. It’s critical to get through.”

England were awful once again during the encounter, despite winning and progressing to the last eight.

However, Bellingham argues that the Three Lions were not as awful as many perceive, and that they are always capable of capitalizing on major opportunities.

“I think the performance was really good until their goal and even after,” said the coach.

“We had huge control of the game, always threatening in the last third, but perhaps lacked the finishing touch to create major opportunities.

“It will undoubtedly be essential for us in the future.

“Look who came on. We won this game collectively. Not me, not Harry [Kane], and not the specific moments.

“Players such as Ivan Toney, Eberechi Eze, Cole Palmer, and Bukayo Saka will play left back.

“It’s the sacrifice you make for the team and that’s the energy we need to keep regardless of what goes on.”

Kane has also spoken up.

And the England star was overjoyed with the triumph, hailing Bellingham for a moment of magic that would be remembered for years to come.

“When it is that late in the game and 1-0 down in knockout football you need to find a way to claw yourself out of the hole you were in,” according to him.

“It is not easy to progress at any stage, and reaching the quarter-finals is incredibly satisfying.

“Hopefully we can use the momentum and take it forward now.”

He went on to say, “That [Bellingham’s goal] is right up there.”

“To score that type of goal in that moment is one of the best ways to keep our dreams alive.

“What a player. He deserves credit for being prepared at that precise moment.

“It wasn’t easy. To score that type of goal in that situation simply demonstrates the type of person he is.”