New Delhi: England staged a dramatic comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over Slovakia, booking their place in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. Ivan Schranz’s goal midway through the first half seemed destined to seal the win for Slovakia, but Jude Bellingham’s exquisite overhead kick from close range equalized the score five minutes into second-half injury time.
The Three Lions, invigorated by Bellingham’s stunning effort, wasted no time in extra time. Within seconds of the restart, captain Harry Kane found himself perfectly positioned to nod home Ivan Toney’s header, putting England ahead 2-1. A heartbroken Slovakia, who had stifled England’s advances for over 90 minutes, will head home early, while Gareth Southgate’s side miraculously moves on to the last eight.
England now face Switzerland in Dusseldorf, knowing that, despite their dramatic rescue operation here, they must elevate their performance to avoid another quarter-final exit at the European Championship.
1. The Foden-Kane-Saka trio disappointed yet again
AL KHOR, QATAR – DECEMBER 04: Bukayo Saka of England celebrates with Phil Foden and Harry Kane after scoring the team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between England and Senegal at Al Bayt Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. (Photo by Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
The front three consisting of Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, and Phil Foden disappointed again. In the first half, even though Harry Kane dropped down to push Bellingham forward, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden barely took advantage of the situation and did not create a proper chance inside the 18-yard box. None of the wingers took on the defenders or provided dangerous balls inside the box. Harry Kane was yet again alone, with Bellingham trying to push once or twice.
Phil Foden was subbed off in the 90th minute, and England scored. Jude Bellingham’s terrific bicycle kick helped England push the game to the extra time. Harry Kane finally scored and helped England win the game, somehow. Ivan Toney provided the important assist that Kane put inside the opposition net.
The frustrations continue, with Southgate again overlooking Cole Palmer and jarred Bowen for Foden and Saka. Palmer was one of the most eye-catching players on his Euro debut against Slovenia. The Three Lions struggled to threaten the Slovaks in the penalty box. Miscalculated early crosses led to Saka creating no chances in the entire match while Foden created just one chance that was squandered. The Premier League Player of the Season, Phil Foden, scored a goal but his poor run where no one marked him led to an offside call, and the goal was called off.
2. Ivan Schranz scores again in the UEFA Euro 2024
30 June 2024, North Rhine-Westphalia, Gelsenkirchen: Soccer, UEFA Euro 2024, European Championship, England – Slovakia, Final round, Round of 16, Arena AufSchalke, Ivan Schranz of Slovakia celebrates his goal to make it 1-0. Photo: Friso Gentsch/dpa (Photo by Friso Gentsch/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Ivan Schranz has now scored three goals for Slovakia in this UEFA Euro 2024. He equals Musiala and Mikataudze in the hunt for the Euro golden boot. The 30-year-old winger, once again the hero for the Sokoli, slid a low shot past Pickford into the bottom-right corner after Strelec brilliantly controlled a superbly headed flick-on and threaded the ball past the defense. His goal helped Slovakia take the early lead against the Three Lions.
Nobody expected Schranz to stand out among the big guns like Harry Kane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Romelu Lukaku, and Alvaro Morata in this Euro. However, his off-ball runs and positioning have been phenomenal, leading to his goals. He was present at the right time inside the opposition box and put the ball inside the net when Slovakia needed someone to step up. The Slovak has been the standout player of the tournament. Over three games, Schranz played 245 minutes, scoring two goals, and averaging 0.67 goals per game.
He attempted four shots and achieved a passing accuracy of 83.34%, completing 50 of 60 passes, including 18 short passes, 31 medium passes, and one long pass. Schranz also contributed defensively, recovering the ball four times, receiving a yellow card, and committing four fouls. However, the Slovaks are out and it is expected that Musiala, Bellingham, or Harry Kane will overtake him.
Nevertheless, what a performance by the Slovak international. He will look to carry this form in the next season.
3. Jude Bellingham carries the English hope on his shoulders
GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – JUNE 30: Jude Bellingham of England celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 matches between England and Slovakia at Arena AufSchalke on June 30, 2024, in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Jude Bellingham has faced questions, scrutiny over his mood and fitness, and even doubts about his importance to England. Yet, as elite players often do, Bellingham seized the moment and scripted a heroic narrative. From the brink of elimination, he rescued England, salvaged Gareth Southgate’s tenure, and reignited the fans’ dreams of Berlin. The supporters, chanting about the Great Escape, witnessed Bellingham orchestrate exactly that.
If not for Bellingham, England would have faced elimination. Just as defeat seemed inevitable, Bellingham, despite exhaustion, leapt into the air and scored a crucial goal in the dying seconds to keep England’s Euro 2024 hopes alive. Exceptional players excel under pressure, and Bellingham proved his worth in a pivotal moment.
Bellingham, who scored England’s first goal of UEFA Euro 2024, has faced criticism since. However, his Real Madrid DNA shone through as he netted the tournament’s most vital goal for his country. Carrying the hopes of England, Bellingham’s extraordinary strike forced extra time and breathed new life into the team. “Can’t start a fire without a spark,” the fans sing of Foden, but it was Bellingham who ignited the blaze. Celebrating his 21st birthday on Saturday, he found the key to unlock Slovakia’s defense on Sunday.
With Bellingham’s equalizer, England’s confidence surged. The earlier hesitancy vanished, replaced by cohesion, swiftness, and menace in transition. England finally looked like a team, more attack-minded and dynamic. They lined up with newfound belief: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Saka; Rice; Palmer, Bellingham, Eze; Toney, and Kane.
Jude Bellingham, bearing the weight of a nation’s expectations, proved his mettle and brilliance, ensuring England’s Euro 2024 journey continues.
England staged a dramatic comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over Slovakia, with Jude Bellingham’s stunning overhead kick and Harry Kane’s timely header sealing their place in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. Despite being stifled for over 90 minutes, the Three Lions found a way to prevail, setting up a clash with Switzerland in Dusseldorf. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
