England Stages Stunning Comeback to Reach Euro 2024 Quarterfinals

Jude Bellingham’s equalizer in the dying moments of the match saved England, allowing them to defeat Slovakia in extra time and secure their place in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals.

The match began with both England and Slovakia showing their ambition to win by launching dangerous attacks early on.

In the 5th minute, Hancko made a dangerous cross from the left wing, but no Slovakian player could get a touch on the ball.

After a somewhat passive start, England gradually regained control of the game, dominating possession and creating several dangerous opportunities from the flanks.

However, while still searching for the opening goal, the Three Lions were dealt a blow when Slovakia orchestrated a sharp central attack, and forward Ivan Schranz’s shot beat Pickford to open the scoring.

Stunned by the goal, Southgate’s men pushed forward to find an equalizer. Top attackers like Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, and Harry Kane took turns threatening Slovakia’s goal, but their efforts only resulted in chances, and the first half ended with the Central European team leading.

In the second half, Harry Kane and his teammates surged forward with determination to at least push the game into extra time.

Southgate’s squad pushed high up the pitch and got what they needed when Foden easily tapped into an empty net following Trippier’s assist. However, the referee disallowed the goal, ruling that the Manchester City player was offside.

In the subsequent minutes, the white-shirted attackers continuously launched attacks through various methods such as central play, set-pieces, and crosses. Despite their efforts, they failed to convert any into goals.

Just when it seemed England would unexpectedly exit in the Round of 16, Jude Bellingham resurrected their hopes with a stunning bicycle kick in the final seconds of added time, sending the match into extra time.

Riding the wave of momentum, Southgate’s men pushed forward and took the lead with a close-range header from captain Harry Kane in the first minute of the first extra time period.

Slovakia had their chances but squandered them, and the first extra time period ended with England in the lead.

In the second extra time period, the Three Lions adopted a defensive approach to protect their lead, making it difficult for Slovakia to find an equalizer. The white-shirted players held firm until the end and secured a 2-1 victory after 120 minutes.

With a superb comeback against Slovakia in the Euro 2024 Round of 16, England will advance to the quarterfinals to face Switzerland.