England completed an incredible turnaround to stay alive at Euro 2024 (Picture: Getty)
Jude Bellingham rescued England with a last-minute equaliser before the Three Lions beat Slovakia in extra-time to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
Gareth Southgate’s side were just minutes away from an embarrassing exit in Germany as they trailed Slovakia through Ivan Schranz’s first-half goal.
England, who were dismal for most of the game, looked out of ideas but Bellingham produced a stunning overhead kick to equalise in the dying seconds.
Harry Kane was anonymous for much of the match but then headed the Three Lions in front in the first minute of extra-time, the last-16 tie completely turned on its head in the space of a few minutes.
Despite some Slovakia pressure, England held on to keep their Euros hopes alive and set up a quarter-final meeting with Switzerland.
Jordan Pickford – 5
Overcame a briefly worrying warm-up injury but was oddly stuck on his line as Slovakia’s Ivan Schranz ran through to break the deadlock. Had very little else to do but claimed some potentially dangerous crosses late on.
Kieran Trippier – 3
Sold Marc Guehi short with one of his first passes that led to a booking before ballooning over an early chance. Offered very little going forward, as has been the case throughout the Euros, and his passing was sloppy. An injury fastened his exit but he was due a subbing anyway.
Marc Guehi – 6
Received a yellow card inside three minutes after a hospital pass from Kieran Trippier – meaning he will miss the quarter-final – but made a crucial block shortly after. Also played a crucial role in England’s equaliser, flicking on a header that found its way to Bellingham.
England received three first-half yellow cards (Picture: Getty)
John Stones – 4
Could have been more adventurous with his distribution and almost got caught out twice in normal time. Kept things tight in extra-time.
Kyle Walker – 4
Also got caught out early, epitomising another lacklustre start to an England match, before moving across to the left as Southgate finally went on the attack. His pace was helpful as Slovakia chased the game and he rose well to make a crucial clearance as Slovakia chased a late equaliser.
Declan Rice – 4
England’s midfield lacked control yet again and Arsenal’s record signing must shoulder some of the blame. Has looked a shadow of the player who almost helped the Gunners win the Premier League last season, though he did come close with a long-range striker that hit the post.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
England’s best player in a dismal first half, but that’s not saying much. Showed his class with a couple of silky runs and neat passes in the first half but he drifted as the game went on and made way with ten minutes remaining.
Ivan Schranz gave Slovakia the lead on 25 minutes (Picture: Getty)
Phil Foden – 3
Didn’t once try to dribble past his 37-year-old opponent in the first half. Thought he had scored an equaliser after the break but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside. The Premier League player of the season continues to flatter to deceive at the Euros.
Jude Bellingham – 6
Just as England fans were giving up hope, Jude Bellingham came to the rescue. Was cutting a frustrated figure once again, especially after going into the book after just 15 minutes. His aimless chasing and pressing proved ineffective. It was baffling to see a Champions League winner produce so little, and then he did that. A stunning overhead kick drew England level in the dying seconds.
Bukayo Saka – 5
Caused Slovakia’s left-back a few problems without making a real impact and was replaced by Cole Palmer on the right flank in the second half, surely an admission from Southgate that we should have seen more from the Chelsea playmaker.
Harry Kane – 5
Nine first-half touches told a bleak story and essentially summed up his anonymous performance. That is until he found himself in the right place at the right time to head England ahead in extra-time. Missed a huge chance with 15 minutes remaining too but fortunately it didn’t prove costly.
Subs:
Cole Palmer – 5
Eberechi Eze – 5
Ivan Toney – 6
Conor Gallagher – 5
Ezri Konsa – 5
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