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Jude Bellingham 'took a bad game and made it better'

PA Images Jude Bellingham pointing to the skyPA Images
Stourbridge's Jude Bellingham scored a lifesaving goal for the England squad

Praise for Jude Bellingham's 96th minute goal which saved England from exiting the Euro tournament has been pouring in.

Former Stourbridge FC manager Gary Hackett, who knew Bellingham as a youngster, said there had been enormous pressure on him and was really pleased for him and his family.

All on the Board renamed Sunday as 30 Jude (instead of June) and said, to the tune of Hey Jude, he had taken a bad game and made it better.

England went on to win 2-1 in extra time and secure a quarter-final against Switzerland on Saturday.

Gary Hackett wearing a and white tracksuit top. He is also wearing glasses
Gary Hackett saw Bellingham and his brother training as young boys and said they were incredible athletes

Hackett watched Bellingham taining as a young boy and said he had always a real zest for football.

“You couldn't see anybody scoring and Jude has popped up in the 96th minute with a fantastic goal.

"It was a particularly tough watch last night and not enjoyable.

"I'm so pleased for his family and that he's popped up with that goal - lets get behind the lads and support them."

Hackett knew Bellingham's father, Mark, from his time as a Bromsgrove player and said he felt protective of the younger Bellingham.

"He's just turned 21, there's enormous pressure on him, every time he has a bad game everybody is on his back and when you carry the weight of a nation it's particularly hard," he said.

allontheboard White board with remixed lyrics to The Beatles "Hey Jude" dedicated to Jude Bellingham allontheboard
Celebrations continue as The Beatles "Hey Jude" was dedicated to Bellingham on a London Underground board

All On The Board, Transport for London's customer service team, dedicated a message board to the England team.

"Hey Jude, that game was bad. But with your bicycle kick, you made it better," it began.

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