Bobby Boucher
England appeared destined for an early exit from Euro 2024 after falling behind 1-0 to Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen. The turning point came deep into stoppage time when Jude Bellingham scored a spectacular equaliser, forcing the game into extra time. Bellingham, who had struggled for most of the game, delivered a stunning overhead kick that reignited England’s hopes and thrilled fans back home.
Bellingham’s equaliser was swiftly followed by a goal from Harry Kane to put England 2-1 up, and they held on to earn a dramatic victory that took them through to the last eight.
Despite this triumph, the team will face challenges moving forward. The Three Lions will be without defender Marc Guehi for the quarter-final due to suspension. Manager Gareth Southgate will have to make changes, not only due to Guehi’s absence but possibly also to address the team’s overall performance, as England appeared second-best to Slovakia for significant parts of the match.
Jude Bellingham dropped one of the worst stinkers I have ever seen and then he does this 💀pic.twitter.com/apFe5MpGLf
— Aidan Walsh 🔰 (@AidanWalshMUFC) June 30, 2024
Bellingham’s crucial goal, timed at 94 minutes and 34 seconds, is now the latest ever scored by England in normal time at the European Championship. Remarkably, it was also their first shot on target in the match.
Victory for England over Slovakia set up a huge quarter-final tie with Switzerland on Saturday in Dusseldorf. The Swiss made it to the last eight after upsetting Euro 2020 winners Italy with a fully deserved 2-0 win in their last-16 tie.
As England prepares for the showdown with Switzerland, the team and its supporters are buoyed by the dramatic victory and Bellingham’s moment of brilliance, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling encounter in the quarter-finals.
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