With a spectacular equalizer in the 95th minute against Slovakia on Sunday, Jude Bellingham saved England from elimination from Euro 2024. Harry Kane’s early extra-time goal then moved the lackluster pre-tournament favorites into the quarterfinals with a 2-1 triumph.
Compared to England, Slovakia had a significantly faster start and sent many cautions to their opponents before Ivan Schranz skillfully finished past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the 25th minute.
England, who take on Switzerland in their next match, has recovered from losing their first three European games, including the quarterfinal of the last tournament. They believed they were level soon after the interval, but Phil Foden’s tap-in was obviously offside.
As Slovakia found themselves stranded deep in their own half late on, Declan Rice struck the post and Kane, surprisingly, headed a Foden free kick wide. However, England seemed to be lacking conviction as their supporters became more irate.
However, Bellingham—a day after turning 21—equalized with a spectacular bicycle kick at the very end of regulation time, forcing extra time and England’s first on-target attempt.
And less than a minute after the restart, Kane’s close-range header past the dejected Martin Dōbravka gave England the lead and completed an incredible comeback.
As the match progressed, Slovakia started to lose interest and came near to tying the score in extra time when Peter Pekarík mishandled a dangerous cross over the bar just before the break.
England secured a lucky win and advanced to the quarterfinals, where they will play Switzerland on July 6 in Duesseldorf after fending off a last wave of balls into the box.
They will, therefore, have to do much better against the Swiss, who defeated Italy, the reigning champions, in the last-16 and were unlucky to let up a late equalizer to Germany in the group stage.
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Euro2024: Bellingham’s heroic performance against Slovakia saves England
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