England narrowly avoided an embarrassing last-16 exit at Euro 2024, thanks to Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick and Harry Kane’s extra-time strike, securing a 2-1 win over Slovakia on Sunday.
The Three Lions, touted as favorites to end a 58-year drought for major tournament glory, seemed destined for defeat after Ivan Schranz’s 25th-minute goal. However, Bellingham’s dramatic equalizer five minutes into stoppage time revived Gareth Southgate’s tenure as England manager.
Kane then headed in just a minute into extra time, setting up a quarter-final clash with Switzerland on Saturday.
Southgate appeared on the brink of resignation after stubbornly sticking to a team that had limped through Group C with only two goals in three games. His sole change was introducing Kobbie Mainoo for his first competitive start, but the team again lacked speed and creativity for much of the match.
England’s one saving grace in the group stage had been a solid defense, conceding just once in three games. However, they were exposed early by a Slovakia side ranked 45th in the world. England ignored early warnings as David Hancko and Lukas Haraslin missed big chances before David Strelec set up Schranz for his third goal of the tournament.
Mainoo, despite his inexperience, was one of the few bright spots for England, with a deflected effort narrowly missing the target. Boos greeted the half-time whistle, but Southgate remained steadfast, not making changes until 25 minutes from the end.
England improved slightly in the second half and had the ball in the net within five minutes, but Phil Foden’s effort was ruled offside by VAR.
Slovakia nearly doubled their lead when Strelec, spotting Jordan Pickford off his line, missed the target from the halfway line. An injury to Kieran Trippier forced Southgate to finally act, introducing Cole Palmer and moving Bukayo Saka to left-back.
England’s chances seemed to fade when Kane missed a golden opportunity and Declan Rice hit the post with a long-range shot. Southgate faced chants of “you don’t know what you’re doing” when he brought on Ivan Toney deep into stoppage time.
However, Bellingham’s acrobatic goal from Guehi’s flick-on tied the game in the final moments of stoppage time. Slovakia, rattled, saw Toney make a crucial contribution, heading Eberechi Eze’s mishit shot across for Kane to score his second goal of the tournament.
Slovakia missed a chance to equalize when Peter Pekarik failed to convert a cross from close range. England now advance to face Switzerland, who eliminated holders Italy with a 2-0 win on Saturday.
