Jude Bellingham delivered a moment of brilliance to salvage England’s Euro 2024 campaign as they narrowly edged past Slovakia in a dramatic encounter to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
Facing a daunting scenario with minutes to spare, England found themselves on the brink of a shocking elimination after Slovakia took a lead they fiercely defended since the 25th minute. Ivan Schranz’s low finish past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford threatened to end England’s hopes in Gelsenkirchen.
However, it was Bellingham who emerged as the savior on his 21st birthday, showcasing his extraordinary talent with an audacious overhead kick. Connecting with Marc Guehi’s header, Bellingham’s acrobatic strike beat Martin Dubravka, breathing new life into England’s challenge.
Captain Harry Kane then underscored England’s resurgence just a minute into extra time, nodding home from close range to complete a remarkable turnaround and seal a thrilling 2-1 victory. The win sets up a tantalizing quarter-final clash against Switzerland.
Stunning from Jude Bellingham 🤸😲@AlipayPlus | #EUROGOTT pic.twitter.com/0CAWvwhO2W
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 30, 2024
Prior to Bellingham’s heroics, England’s performance had been lackluster, epitomizing their struggles throughout the tournament under manager Gareth Southgate in Germany. Despite chances from Kane and Declan Rice hitting the woodwork, England failed to find the net until Bellingham’s intervention.
The victory comes as a relief for Southgate and his squad, who faced criticism for their lack of cohesion and attacking impetus earlier in the match. Bellingham’s goal not only salvaged their Euro 2024 hopes but also ignited hopes of a potential turnaround in their campaign.
Looking ahead, England will have to navigate their quarter-final clash against Switzerland without Marc Guehi, who will be suspended due to accumulated yellow cards. Guehi’s absence will be felt after his solid defensive displays alongside John Stones, despite an early booking for a challenge triggered by Kieran Trippier’s errant pass.
As England prepare for their next challenge, questions linger over their overall performance and Southgate’s tactical decisions. The victory against Slovakia, while dramatic, highlighted areas of concern that will need addressing if England are to advance further in the tournament.
For now, the focus remains on celebrating a hard-fought victory and preparing for the tough test posed by Switzerland, as England aim to build on the momentum gained from Bellingham’s unforgettable moment of brilliance.