England vs Slovakia

England vs Slovakia

Watch England vs Slovakia full match replay and highlights.
KICK-OFF at 16:00 (GMT) on 30th June 2024
The referee for this match is H. Meler
Game played at Arena AufSchalke
This is a match in Europe – UEFA Euro, 8Th Finals, Season 2024

Jude Bellingham’s Late Heroics Propel England to Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals

Jude Bellingham etched his name into the history books as the youngest player to score for England in a European Championship knockout match, delivering a stunning stoppage-time goal that helped England overcome Slovakia 2-1. This victory advances the Three Lions to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, reigniting hopes of a major trophy after a 58-year drought.

First-Half Struggles for England

England entered the match looking for a spark after three lackluster group-stage performances. However, early defensive vulnerabilities were evident as Slovakia’s Dávid Hancko and Lukáš Haraslín threatened to score, with Marc Guéhi making a crucial last-ditch tackle to keep England level. England created opportunities through Harry Kane and Kobbie Mainoo but fell behind when David Strelec’s intricate through ball set up Ivan Schranz, who finished clinically with the outside of his right foot.

England’s Response and Late Drama

Despite failing to register a shot on target in the first half—a first in a knockout game since 1986—Southgate made no changes at the break. Phil Foden had a goal ruled out for offside shortly after the restart, and Slovakia nearly capitalized on a sloppy free-kick by Kyle Walker, with Strelec’s ambitious attempt from halfway drifting wide.

Southgate introduced Cole Palmer for Trippier to inject fresh energy, but England’s struggles continued as Martin Dúbravka remained largely untroubled. Kane missed a golden opportunity from a Foden free-kick, and Declan Rice’s long-range strike hit the post, keeping England’s hopes alive heading into the final 10 minutes.

Bellingham’s Historic Goal and Extra-Time Winner

Just as England seemed destined for elimination, Jude Bellingham delivered a spectacular acrobatic finish in stoppage time, converting Marc Guéhi’s flick-on from a Walker throw-in. This goal, England’s first shot on target, forced the match into extra time.

The momentum shifted dramatically as Harry Kane headed home from close range just 52 seconds into extra time, following Ivan Toney’s flick of Eberechi Eze’s miss-hit shot. This remarkable turnaround dashed Slovakia’s dreams of a first quarter-final appearance as an independent nation and set up a quarter-final clash for England against Switzerland in Düsseldorf on Saturday.