Euro 2024, Bellingham and Kane topple Slovakia

England-Slovakia 2-1

Unbelievable round of 16 in Gelsenkirchen with England going under with Slovakia, equalizing the score with a backhanded shot by Bellingham as recovery almost expired and in the opening of the first overtime complte the comeback with Kane, flying to the quarters where they will face Switzerland.

First half of great suffering for England, slow and cumbersome. Southgate's packed team confirms the negative impressions of the last two matches, a lot of nervousness and few ideas for the national team of the Three Lions, which risks several times in the beginning of the match. On 25' Calzona’s team deservedly put the arrow in: on a throw from Vavro, Strelec serves Schranz in the area who anticipates Guehi and right-footed pierces Pickford. The reaction of the Britons hardly came, apart from a slow and exhausting ball possession that bore no fruit.

At the start of the second half the first English gasp, with Foden scoring on Trippier’s cross, but the goal è nullified for offside. England turned up the pressure but took a chance at 55' when Strelec nearly surprised Pickford from midfield. Southgate’s first change comes only at 66': Palmer in for Trippier.

England rushes forward desperately, Kane’s header sends wide, at 80'80' Rice hits the post with a broadside from outside the box. Southgate inserts Eze for Mainoo, the Slovaks grit their teeth and resist. At 95' the champion’s stroke of genius saves the English: on a throw-in Guehi serves Bellingham a header that in a reverse scores the hopeless 1-1 just at the last available minute.

Slovakia suffered the blow and went down in the opening half of extra time when Kane from two steps completed the comeback with the 2-1 goal. Southgate’s men fell dangerously low defending the goal but at the triple whistle they could celebrate qualification.