Ed Sheeran has backed England to win Euro 2024 after their dramatic victory over Slovakia.
The Three Lions looked certain to be heading out of the tournament in Germany as they trailed for much of the clash following Ivan Schranz’s 25th minute opener.
Gareth Southgate’s side were out of ideas until Jude Bellingham’s bicycle kick in the 95th minute took the tie to extra time, before Harry Kane then nodded home to book England a quarter-final clash against Switzerland.
Despite the underwhelming display, there were still huge celebrations from England’s supporters and players inside the AufSchalke Arena in Gelsenkirchen, with several celebrity fans in attendance.
Among these was singer Ed Sheeran, who sponsors his beloved Ipswich Town, and the 33-year-old gave his thoughts exclusively to Mail Sport as he was leaving the ground.
Ed Sheeran has backed England to win Euro 2024 after their dramatic victory over Slovakia
Speaking to Mail Sport, Sheeran also pledged to serenade Jude Bellingham going forward
When asked who would win the Euros, Sheeran was swept away in the excitement of the Three Lions’ victory as he simply said: ‘Obviously England, init.’
At full-time, Bellingham was serenaded by England’s supporters as they sung along to the Beatles’ ‘Hey Jude’, which has become associated with the Real Madrid star.
And Sheeran was also pressed on whether he had joined the many revellers in singing the chant.
Sheeran revealed he hadn’t, but pledged that ‘next time’ he would participate.
On Sunday, the singer was wearing a white replica England jersey and was mobbed by fans as he made his way up the VIP steps in Gelsenkirchen, ahead of Germany great Philipp Lahm.
Sheeran has previously performed for Southgate’s squad, with the England boss having also summoned fellow stars Robbie Williams and James Bay inside the camp for live sets at recent major tournaments.
Sheeran was one of many celebrity fans in attendance at the AufSchalke Arena on Sunday
Bellingham’s last-gasp equaliser kept England’s hopes alive, before Harry Kane’s winner
Meanwhile, speaking after the tense victory against Slovakia, Southgate praised his squad for their resilience.
‘I’m so proud of the players and the spirit the lads showed,’ he said. ‘Everybody we put into the game played a part and helped us get over the line.
‘They are all pushing and helping each other and tonight. That made the difference.
‘Under that pressure they kept probing. In the end it is the old fashioned long throw that gets the goal.
‘Those moments can happen when you keep wearing a team down.’
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