England staged a thrilling comeback to beat Slovakia 2-1 in the UEFA Euro 2024 round of 16, with Jude Bellingham's stunning overhead kick in the final moments of regulation time and Harry Kane's early extra-time goal sealing the victory. Despite their struggles throughout the tournament, England's resilience shone through, setting up a quarterfinal clash with Switzerland.
In an exhilarating UEFA Euro 2024 round of 16 match, England overcame a challenging start to clinch a 2-1 victory against Slovakia. The game, marked by tactical struggles and a lack of tempo from England, saw a dramatic turnaround with Jude Bellingham's overhead kick and Harry Kane's header. This win propels England into the quarterfinals against Switzerland, keeping their hopes alive in a tournament where they have been considered among the favorites despite underperforming in the group stages.
England's performance was initially lackluster, with Slovakia taking the lead through Ivan Schranz's 25th-minute goal. England struggled to respond, with missed opportunities and a disallowed goal adding to their frustrations. The team's slow tempo and tactical hesitations were evident, as they failed to convert their chances into goals, reflecting a deeper issue within the squad's dynamics and strategy.
With England on the brink of elimination, Jude Bellingham delivered a moment of brilliance. His overhead kick in the dying seconds of regular time was not only his first shot on target but a lifeline for his team. This goal revitalized England and shifted the momentum as they headed into extra time, where Harry Kane quickly added another goal, showcasing the team's resilience and ability to rise to the occasion under immense pressure.
With their sights now set on the quarterfinals, England must address their gameplay issues before facing Switzerland, a team that has shown strong performances in the tournament. The upcoming match in Düsseldorf will be critical for Gareth Southgate and his squad to prove that they can turn their fortunes around and possibly contend for the championship.
England's victory over Slovakia was a testament to their enduring spirit and potential, despite the evident struggles throughout the tournament. As they prepare for the quarterfinals, the team needs to harness the momentum from this win and refine their strategy to overcome Switzerland. With the stakes getting higher, the true test of their championship mettle is just around the corner.
"With 15 minutes to go you wonder if (Bellingham) is out on his feet. Him and Harry Kane produce those moments and that is why you don’t make changes when people are clamouring for more changes." - Gareth Southgate
"One of the best (goals) in our country’s history I reckon. What a player. He works so hard for the team." - Harry Kane
"You’re 30 seconds away from going home, feeling like you’ve let your nation down… One kick of the ball and everything’s great." - Jude Bellingham