Euro 2024 social round-up: Bellingham brilliance, Sheeran and Ferdinand toast to England

By Sports Desk June 30, 2024

The Euro 2024 knockout stages are well underway as England and Spain edged into the quarter-finals on Sunday.

Gareth Southgate's side were saved by Jude Bellingham's brilliance and an extra-time finish by Harry Kane to defeat Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen.

Spain were at their usual best, despite an early scare, as they swept aside Georgia to continue their impressive start to this European Championship.

With more last-16 action around the corner, we take a look back at the day's best bits across social media.

Beauty from Bellingham

Bellingham proved England's hero in Gelsenkirchen, levelling after 94 minutes in their last-16 clash with Slovakia.

The Real Madrid midfielder crashed in a remarkable overhead-kick equaliser, leaving supporters, team-mates and pundits in awe of the 21-year-old's salvaging act.

England's official X account shared an image of Bellingham flying through midair before cannoning past Martin Dubrakva – a photo telling a thousand stories at Arena AufSchalke.

Pedri takes UEFA behind the scenes

Spain midfielder Pedri played an integral role once again as La Roja overcame Georgia to reach the last eight.

Yet the Barcelona man was in action behind the camera prior to that, taking UEFA's official social media account on a day behind the scenes at the Spain camp.

From conversations at a team media day to joking with his Spanish colleagues, Pedri was in a cheery mood, one that will only have improved after Sunday's victory.

Bradley 'the boss' Barcola

France are preparing for a last-16 meeting against Belgium on Monday, touching down in Dusseldorf as they hope to go deeper into this tournament.

Didier Deschamps needs a performance after an unconvincing Group D showing, though Les Bleus appear united in their efforts.

Ibrahima Konate was even caught offering team-mate Bradley Barcola a new nickname, but who knows whether his "boss" tag will stick.

Red Devils hit Dusseldorf before France test

Belgium may have come under scrutiny for a drab Group E performance, but the Red Devils appeared in a laidback manner ahead of their clash with France.

Domenico Tedesco's side were all snapped by the Belgian media as they hit the ground in Dusseldorf before Monday's meeting.

Oranje hotting up for Romania

Romania were the surprise package at this Euros after topping Group E, with their reward a last-16 clash with the Netherlands in Munich.

Ronald Koeman's Oranje were seen being put through their paces ahead of that fixture as Cody Gakpo was caught on camera in pre-match training.

All smiles from the hosts

Kai Havertz's penalty and a finish from Jamal Musiala was enough to see Julian Nagelsmann's Euro 2024 hosts past Denmark in the last 16 on Saturday.

The downpour and thunderstorm that stopped the clash in Dortmund did not seem to dampen the mood of any Germany player either.

Emre Can, Musiala and Leroy Sane were all smiles as Germany's official X account shared behind-the-scenes photos after full-time.

Sheeran and Ferdinand backing England

Bellingham's heroics may have had England supporters celebrating across Germany and at home, but two familiar faces were together to toast Sunday's success.

Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand joined by music star Ed Sheeran, sharing a post to tell the world 'It's coming home'.

Whether Southgate can deliver that remains to be seen as the England manager continues to search for his 'A Team'.

Albart living it up in Cologne

Euros mascots are always an interesting thing to look out for, thinking back to the likes of Pinocchio (Italy 1980) and Goaliath (England 1996).

Germany have their very own furry friend, Albart, and the mascot is living it up as this tournament progresses on home soil.

Albart was whipping up the crowd before Spain's 4-1 hammering of Georgia, and the mascot will be hoping he has more to celebrate when Germany meet La Roja on Friday.

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