England survive scare against Slovakia to book spot in Euro 2024 quarter-finals
England survived a scare to book their place in the quarter-finals at Euro 2024 after beating Slovakia 2-1 in extra-time.
Gareth Southgate’s team fell behind in the 25th minute when Ivan Schranz put Slovakia into a shock lead and they looked to be heading out of the tournament as the game went into injury time.
However, Jude Bellingham produced a moment of brilliance to score a stunning equaliser with seconds to spare and send the last-16 tie to extra-time.
Captain Harry Kane put England in the lead early in the first half of extra-time and they held on, despite some nervy moments.
Bellingham told reporters the team’s success may spur them on in the rest of the competition and described his goal as “one of the most important moments of my career so far”.
England looked disappointing in the first half and at half-time, manager Gareth Southgate failed to make any changes.
In the second half, however, England got closer with two attempts to score, although Phil Foden’s goal was disallowed by VAR and Declan Rice’s shot came off the post.
Southgate’s side now faces Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-final on Saturday.
Were they to reach the last four, they would then play in a semi-final on Wednesday 10 July.