England, one of the most valuable international teams in the world, narrowly avoided an embarrassing exit in the 2024 European Championship (EURO 2024) with a late goal from Jude Bellingham securing a 2-1 victory over Slovakia at the Veltins-Arena on June 30.
Gareth Southgate’s England had underwhelmed in the group stage, only managing one win and two draws while scoring two goals and conceding one. Expectations were high for their Round-of-16 clash with Slovakia, but they struggled to impress once again.
England’s Struggles Continue
Slovakia took advantage of England’s poor defending in the 25th minute, with Ivan Schranz scoring after a pass from David Strelec. Although England controlled possession for much of the first half, they failed to find the equalizer.
The Three Lions started the second half brightly, and thought they had scored through Phil Foden, only for the goal to be disallowed due to offside. England continued to push for an equalizer, with Harry Kane and Declan Rice coming close.
Bellingham’s Heroics Save England
Injury time drama ensued as Jude Bellingham scored a spectacular overhead kick to level the score at 1-1. The match went to extra time, where Kane redeemed himself with a goal in the first minute. Despite some nervy moments, England held on to secure a 2-1 victory over Slovakia.
With a lower expected goals (xG) tally than their opponents, England advanced to face Switzerland in the EURO 2024 quarter-finals on July 6.
