England reached their fourth major tournament quarter-final under Gareth Southgate courtesy of an absorbing 2-1 extra-time victory over Slovakia in Sunday’s Euro 2024 last-16 clash in Gelsenkirchen.
Southgate’s reign appeared to be ending on a rotten note when Ivan Schranz deservedly propelled Slovakia into a first-half lead, and subsequent attempts from England to claw their way back into the contest were pitiful and pedestrian.
A disallowed Phil Foden goal for offside appeared to compound England’s misery, but with one of the last attacks of normal time, Jude Bellingham produced a moment of magic with an outrageous bicycle kick to force an additional 30.
The rejuvenated Three Lions required just 54 seconds of the extra-time period to turn the tide through a Harry Kane header, and even though England reverted to type in the closing stages – sitting back and inviting pressure – their efforts were just about enough.
A meeting with Italy’s conquerors Switzerland now awaits the Euro 2020 runners-up, who had many a lucky star to thank for their progression, which led to sighs of relief up and down the land.
For the hour or so that followed after Schranz poked Slovakia ahead, it appeared that nothing England could throw at the Falcons’ wall would stick, as Francesco Calzona’s men defended for their lives and then some.
None of England’s attackers were doing themselves justice and looked on course to be exiting the tournament with a whimper, that was until a Kyle Walker long throw in added time fell onto the head of Marc Guehi, who flicked it on for Bellingham.
The Real Madrid man had been tipped by some to enjoy a rest on Sunday on account of his tired performances in the draws with Denmark and Slovenia, but as Bellingham does, he pulled the rabbit out of a hat with an outrageous bicycle kick to save England’s bacon.
Barely 70 seconds had passed in added time before a recycled free kick sparked more English pandemonium, as the two big men up top – Ivan Toney and Kane – linked up aerially for the latter to nod home and complete an unforeseen turnaround.
