England 2, Slovakia 1 AET (Euro 2024)
Jude Bellingham rescued England from a Euro 2024 exit with an injury time equaliser as they went on to beat Slovakia in Extra Time.
Embed from Getty ImagesEngland manager Gareth Southgate admitted that some of his substitutes may have been upset at the late nature of his substitutions in the game.
He said: “I knew Ivan Toney had the hump with me for putting him on so late but I said to him this could be his moment.
“I could tell from his face what he was thinking but I think he’s just about forgiven me now.
“I had shown the players a presentation about 1966 and how Geoff Hurst hadn’t played until the quarter finals, and the difficult route that the team had had.
“All along the players who have come into the side have played well and it’s that that got us over the line today.”
The Slovakians had held the lead since the 25th minute of another drab encounter.
Phil Foden found his goal shortly after half time ruled out for offside after Kieron Trippier had crossed from the left for him as England again looked a poor side with Harry Kane heading a great chance wide and Declan Rice hitting the woodwork as the clock ticked down.
In fact Gareth Southgate’s men were unable to muster a shot on target until Bellingham’s 95th minute equaliser – flicked on by Marc Guehi from Kyle Walker’s long throw.
And what a goal it was – the stunning overhead kick from the 21-year-old gave England another 30 minutes to rescue themselves.
And Harry Kane piled on the misery for their tiring opponents with England’s other shot on target seconds into Extra Time after Ivan Toney – a late late substitute in normal time – nodded Ebereche Eze’s bouncing pass to his captain who headed in the winner.
Guehi, who laid on Bellingham’s equaliser, will be missing through suspension from England’s quarter final tie will force Gareth Southgate into at least one change from a side who have been stodgy throughout these finals.