England narrowly avoided a disgrace against Slovakia

England almost reached the round of 16 of the European Football Championship in Germany.

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The “Three Lions” struggled to a 2-1 win after extra time against outsiders Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday. The underdog looked like the winner for a long time thanks to an early goal by Ivan Schranz (25′).

It was not until the fifth minute of injury time that Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham scored the equaliser with an overhead kick on the day after his 21st birthday, forcing Gareth Southgate’s team, who was sitting on the England bench for the 99th time as head coach, into extra time.

In this match, Harry Kane (91′) made everything clear early on with a header from close range.

Foden goal didn’t count

Team boss Gareth Southgate, who came under heavy criticism after underwhelming performances in the group stage, continued to rely on his attacking stars and only made a change in defensive midfield with the introduction of 19-year-old youngster Kobbie Mainoo.

The playing style of the tournament’s most valuable squad also remained unchanged. The English had a lot of possession, but were sluggish and prone to errors in their build-up play before the break and rarely embarrassed the compact Slovakians. A direct shot by Kieran Trippier well over the goal (9th minute) was the most promising offensive move in the first half.

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Coach Francesco Calzona’s team was more dangerous, appearing in good positions in front of the English goal several times. The Slovakians also deservedly took the lead. After a pass from David Strelec, Schranz did not miss the chance and scored his third goal of the tournament (25′).

Some English fans left the stadium before the equaliser:

Shortly after the break, the English celebrated, but too early because Phil Foden was offside when he scored (50th minute). In the 55th minute, they were extremely lucky when, after a misunderstanding on the halfway line and with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford far in front of the goal, a long-range shot from Strelec narrowly missed the target.

Declan Rice hit the post

The “Three Lions” were now putting increasing pressure on the Slovakians, but they were unable to break through. Even an ideal free kick from Foden, which Kane headed wide from close range without being challenged (78th minute), and a long-range shot from Declan Rice, which hit the post (81st minute), were unsuccessful.

Two standard situations, however, redeemed the English. After a throw-in and a header, Bellingham, who had been indifferent until then, scored with a wonderful overhead kick. And less than a minute after the restart, Kane headed in from a free kick.

With the lead behind them, the English now acted more confidently. The Slovakians fought until the end for their historic first advancement to a quarter-final and had a great chance through Peter Pekarik (105th), but were unable to make a comeback.