Avoiding what would have been one of the most infamous defeats in their history, Jude Bellingham saved both England and Gareth Southgate’s blushes as they scrapped past Slovakia on Sunday evening.
England were seconds away from an embarrassing exit in Gelsenkirchen as Slovakia defended a lead they had held since the 25th minute when Ivan Schranz raced into the box to poke a low finish past England keeper Jordan Pickford.
Just seconds away from crashing out and facing a major public backlash, it was Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham who dragged the Three Lions over the finishing line in the most dramatic of fashion.
Bellingham, who celebrated his 21st birthday on Saturday, demonstrated the brilliance that has made him England’s new superstar by going airborne in the penalty area to send Marc Guehi’s headed flick past Martin Dubravka with a stunning overhead kick.
With the game heading into extra-time, England skipper Harry Kane headed home from close range as Southgate’s men somehow managed to avoid what would have been one of the biggest upsets in European history.
Although Slovakia might have gained a string of plaudits from across the continent following what was a dominant display here, the Falcons will take some time to recover from what was the most painful of EURO 24 heartbreak.
Just about dragging themselves over the finishing line at the Veltins Arena, the Three Lions will now turn their attention to what will be a stern quarter-final challenge when they meet Switzerland on Saturday evening.
On a night when England just about managed to avoid what would have been one of the most infamous defeats in their history, we have taken a look at the key talking points.
King Jude saves England & Southgate
Just seconds away from suffering a major tournament exit that would have surpassed their infamous 2016 exit at the hands of Iceland, it was only one man who saved both England and Southgate on Saturday.
Producing one of the most…
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Author : Tom Dunstan
Publish date : 2024-07-01 07:04:03
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