European Football Championship - Bellingham's overhead kick saves England from European Championship defeat
Harry Kane showed the fist, Jude Bellingham was hugged by his teammates - and Gareth Southgate could breathe a powerful sigh of relief after the final whistle in the dramatic EURO 2024 quarter-final against underdogs Slovakia, as England narrowly avoided an early exit with a hard-fought 2:1 (1:1, 0:1) win in extra time and once again missed out on title contention.
"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 salvage a 1:1, without which the Three Lions would have been eliminated. "What this goal was worth, we'll see 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 routine appearance. However, after the late comeback, hopes for the first title since the 1966 World Cup victory remain alive.
Switzerland awaits in the semi-finals
Southgate had to face further criticism after his team's subpar performance once again. The EURO 2021 finalist faces Switzerland in the semi-finals next Saturday (6:00 PM CEST) in Düsseldorf. In contrast, the dream of the brave fighting Slovaks of making it to the round of the last eight teams at an EURO for the first time went unfulfilled despite their temporary lead through Ivan Schranz (25.).
Despite the criticism from many fans, Southgate made only minor adjustments. Only Kobbie Mainoo, who was supposed to "create a connection between defense and offense" according to the trainer, was new in the starting lineup.
Passive England was punished
The newcomer's impact was noticeable at first, as the Slovaks had the better start and had two chances to take the lead through the strong wing striker Lukas Haraslin (6./12.). The English team couldn't offer the same tempo and creativity. Instead, they collected three yellow cards. Apart from a long-range shot from Kieran Trippier (10.), which went wide, there were few scoring opportunities for Southgate's team, which he led in his 99th international match as head coach.
This passivity was punished. Schranz, brilliantly set up by David Strelec, scored from close range to get his third EURO goal for Slovakia and take the lead.
Foden's goal doesn't count
England looked even more clueless after the first goal at this tournament. Despite increasing pressure, they struggled to create scoring chances. Accompanied by boos from their own fans, England failed to turn things around before halftime.
However, a goal by Phil Foden in the 57th minute was disallowed due to a handball by Harry Maguire in the build-up, keeping England's deficit at one goal.
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 after the birth of his third child, was disallowed for offside.
Late substitutions, late goals
Southgate stood on the sidelines and buried his hands deep into his pockets. After a terrible mistake from John Stones, Strelec's (55.) long-range shot almost resulted in a 0:2.
Southgate made his first substitution after 65 minutes and brought on Shooting Star Cole Palmer for Trippier. With increasing chaos on the pitch, they were close to equalizing, which they came close to achieving through a header from Harry Kane (78) and a post shot from Declan Rice (81).
As the Slovakian fans began to celebrate their victory and Southgate seemed ready to give in, Bellingham came on in spectacular fashion and forced extra time. In extra time, Kane scored directly for the 2:1, and the Slovakians appeared flat. In the second half of extra time, Southgate took both goalkeepers off the pitch.
Game Info and Team Info England Game Info and Team Info Slovakia EM Schedule Data for Gareth Southgate
- Gareth Southgate's England squad faced a tough challenge in the round of sixteen of EURO 2024, up against Slovakia, a team known for their underdog spirit.
- In the critical quarter-final match, England's Harry Kane scored an overhead kick in Bavaria to level the game at 1-1 in the 91st minute.
- Meanwhile, in Gelsenkirchen, the crowd of 47,244 spectators watched as Bellingham, a product of England's football system and a future star at Real Madrid, delivered a backheel for the equalizer, a dream goal for any soccer player.
- Following a week of criticism, Southgate made only minor adjustments to his England squad, with Kobbie Mainoo making his starting debut.
- Slovakia started the game stronger, with Lukas Haraslin demonstrating proficiency on the wings and scoring an early chance.
- The Three Lions struggled to create chances and received three yellow cards during the first half, leading to a passive performance.
- Slovakia capitalized on England's lackluster performance by taking the lead with a close-range goal from Ivan Schranz, who was brilliantly set up by David Strelec.
- Despite a handball from Harry Maguire, a goal from Phil Foden appeared to put England back in the game, but it was ruled offside.
- After Southgate's tactical changes, the tide turned, and England piled on the pressure, coming close to equalizing several times, including efforts from Kane and Rice.
- As time ran out, Bellingham entered the game and made an immediate impact, forcing the match into extra time with a late goal.
- In the extra time, Kane redeemed himself by scoring the winning header, sending England through to the semi-finals against Switzerland and reviving dreams of a first EURO title.
