European Football Championship - Bellingham's overhead kick saves England from embarrassment
Harry Kane showed the fist, Jude Bellingham was hugged by his teammates - and Gareth Southgate could breathe deeply after the final whistle in the dramatic EURO 2024 quarter-final between England and underdogs Slovakia, which ended in a hard-fought 2:1 (1:1, 0:1) after extra time and saw England just manage to avoid an early exit and once again miss out on title glory.
"It really looked tough for us", said goalscorer Kane: "At the EURO, you have to find a way to win - we did that. Of course we can play better, but that's a business where results count. We can enjoy this now."
Bellingham scored a dream goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time with a backheel to make it 1:1, without which the Three Lions would have been eliminated. "The value of this goal will be seen in two weeks", said the Champions League winner from Real Madrid: "I know I can deliver in such moments."
Bayern star Kane scored the second goal directly in the 91st minute in front of 47,244 spectators in Gelsenkirchen. Both Bellingham and Kane had previously underperformed in the team's next appearance. However, after the late comeback, hopes for the first title since the 1966 World Cup victory live on.
Switzerland awaits in the semi-finals
However, Southgate had to face further criticism after his team's poor performance. The EURO 2021 finalist faces Switzerland in the semi-finals on the nearest Saturday (6:00 PM) in Düsseldorf. In contrast, the dream of the brave fighting Slovaks, who made their first appearance in the round of the last eight teams at an EURO despite their temporary lead through Ivan Schranz (25.), did not come true.
Despite the criticism from many fans, Southgate again opted for only minor changes. Only Kobbie Mainoo, who according to the trainer "creates a connection between defense and offense", was new in the starting lineup.
Passive English are punished
This measure had little effect at first. The Slovaks took the better start and had two chances to take the lead through the strong wing striker Lukas Haraslin (6./12.). The English had no such tempo and creativity to offer. Instead, they collected three yellow cards quickly. Apart from a long-range shot from Kieran Trippier (10.), which went wide, there were few attempts on target for Southgate's team, which he led in his 99th game as head coach.
This passivity was punished. Schranz, who was brilliantly set free by David Strelec, scored from close range to make it 1:1 for the third time in the EURO for Slovakia and take the deserved lead.
Foden's goal does not count
After the first setback at this tournament, the favorite looked even more clueless than before. Despite increasing pressure, England struggled to create scoring opportunities. Accompanied by the first jeers from their own fans, England fought in vain for a turnaround before half-time.
However, a goal by Phil Foden in the 41st minute of stoppage time was disallowed due to an offside decision, leaving England still searching for their first goal in the knockout stage.
Southgate kept his composure despite a static and erratic performance in the first half. After a beautiful combination between Kane and Trippier, England could indeed celebrate - but Phil Foden's goal, which he celebrated with a baby jubilee in the camera after the birth of his third child, was disallowed for offside.
Late substitutions, late goals
Southgate stood at the sidelines and buried his hands deep into his pockets. After a terrible mistake from John Stones, Strelec's long shot (55.) was just a whisker away from making it 0:2.
Southgate made his first substitution after 65 minutes, bringing on Shooting Star Cole Palmer for Trippier. With increasing chaos on the pitch, they were close to equalizing, with a header from Harry Kane (78.) and a post shot from Declan Rice (81.).
As Slovakian fans began to celebrate their win and Southgate seemed ready to concede, Bellingham came on in spectacular fashion and forced extra time. In extra time, Kane scored directly for the 2:1, and the Slovakian team seemed to lose steam. In the second half of extra time, Southgate took both goalkeepers off the pitch.
- Despite the disallowed goal from Phil Foden, England had to regroup in Gelsenkirchen to overcome Slovakia in the EURO 2024 quarter-finals.
- In the Round of sixteen, Gareth Southgate's team faced a tough battle against Slovakia, with Kieran Trippier contributing a long-range shot in their effort.
- Kobbie Mainoo, recognized for his connection between defense and offense, made his debut in the starting lineup for England during the EURO 24 tournament, but their performance remained lackluster.
- The Three Lions continued their struggle for a goal in the knockout stage, enduring criticism from fans and failing to take advantage of several opportunities until Jude Bellingham's late backheel equalizer.
- Fans and analysts alike were shocked by England's performance in the EURO 2024 quarter-finals, particularly in the face of Slovakia's determination and skills, led by wing striker Lukas Haraslin.
- Real Madrid star Harry Kane and Bellingham, both underperforming earlier in the tournament, pulled through in the crucial moments, scoring vital goals to keep England's title dreams alive.
- After the nerve-wracking encounter with Slovakia, Gareth Southgate and his team were excited yet humbled by going up against Switzerland in the European Football Championship's semi-finals.
- Having missed out on title glory in previous tournaments, England will face the Swiss in Düsseldorf on the nearest Saturday, focusing on resilience and adaptation to secure a place in the final.
- With questions raised about his coaching strategies and team dynamics, Southgate stood his ground and navigated his squad through the ups and downs of the quarter-finals, showcasing his experience and commitment to the Euro cause.
- Though controversial decisions, like the late offside call against Foden, marred their progress in the Round of sixteen, England remains driven to showcase their talent and potential, seeking redemption in the pursuit of the European Football Championship title in Bavaria.
