Grammy Award-winning singer cum songwriter Ed Sheeran gave a private performance to England team in their training base in Blankenhain (Germany) ahead of their quarterfinal clash against Switzerland on Saturday.
Sheeran’s unexpected arrival and performance were aimed at rejuvenating the players after a draining win against Slovakia (2-1) on Sunday which went into extra time with England trailing for the majority of it.
This is not the first time Sheeran has performed for England to energize them ahead of games. Previously the singer performed ahead of the Euro 2020 final in St. George’s Park which unfortunately England lost in the penalties against Italy.
Despite the team management trying everything to keep the spirits up of the team there is the question hanging around if Jude Bellingham would be allowed to participate in the knockout contest. His presence or absence will affect the mood of the players and tactics of Gareth Southgate.
Thanks to the goal from Bellingham deep into added time of the second half the game against Slovakia it stretched to extra time and Harry Kane scored immediately at the beginning of Extra time and gave England the lead which was enough for them to go through to the Quarterfinals
After scoring the 21-year-old kissed his right hand and moved it to his private parts. Though the referee on-field missed the gesture Bellingham might be sanctioned and face disciplinary action by the UEFA governing body.
“A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspectorate will conduct a disciplinary investigation into a possible breach of the basic rules of decent conduct by England player Jude Bellingham, alleged to have occurred in the context of this match,” the governing body said.
However, Bellingham defended his action. “An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight,” Bellingham posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
However, irrespective of the reason behind his gestures UEFA’s rules are clear. “Any obscene gesture or offensive or insulting action must be punished with a red card.”
