Jude Bellingham provides that moment of magic that England always need at any tournament to really kick start their campaign.
It is always emotional when it comes to supporting England. For so long the supporters were resigned to an early exit, but now they will hope this will spur them on to better performances for however long we stay at Euro 2024.
Incredible scenes inside Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen where England’s fans are singing ‘Sweet Caroline’ as the players show their appreciation in front of them. Jude Bellingham raises his arms in defiance.
My hair was blonde before this live text. Now I’m grey. This England performance has aged me, but that’s what England do. In every major tournament, we have always had that one moment of magic that England have always needed.
“(Bellingham’s) goal was one the best in England’s history, A lot has been said before the tournament about this guy but he is world class.”
Harry Kane England captain
A Crushing disappointment for Slovakia. They are heading home having been moments away from going through.
What a roller-coaster for emotions for both sets of fans. It is why football is so popular. These two moments broke the hearts of some and provided hope for others.
Stat Fact – Jude Bellingham’s equaliser at 94 minutes and 34 seconds was England’s first shot on target against Slovakia. It was also their latest-ever goal scored in normal time at a major tournament.
England 2 – 1 Slovakia match report
England win 2-1 against Slovakia in the last-16 clash of the Euros 2024. And apart from those moments of magic they were very poor. Whilst watching the game and thinking about the match report at full time. We were one minute away from writing an obituary for Gareth Southgate.
The game was emotional England 2 – 1 Slovakia match report it’s hard to think of positives except the fact that we won.
A quarter-final place against Switzerland
The two sides are meeting in Gelsenkirchen with a quarter-final place against Switzerland at stake.
“I know what I can deliver in those moments. Regardless of what people say, I’ve done it this year for Madrid, I’ve done it for England before. Just happy to help the team.”
England goalscorer Jude Bellingham, speaking to ITV Sport
In the 25th minute, a long ball forward was not dealt with by the England defence and David Strelec slipped in Ivan Schranz to score his third goal of the finals.
Slovakia were the better team but there are moments in that game where you can cling onto it.
That moment of magic that England always need
With the match deep into stoppage time, England drew level as Guehi flicked on a long throw and Bellingham delivered a stunning overhead kick.
Then 52 seconds into extra time and Harry Kane comes up with the winner.
In the 105th minute of extra time, both of England’s goal scorers came off. Time for cool heads and good game-management.
England will face Switzerland in the quarter-final on Saturday, 6 July (17:00 BST).