Jude Bellingham produced a moment of genius to keep England in Euro 2024 as they survived another desperate display and a huge scare to beat Slovakia in dramatic fashion to reach the last eight.
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.
It was then that 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.
Bellingham rescued England from a performance that plumbed such depths that his goal was their first effort on target – but then set the platform for a victory as Slovakia, who had defended so stubbornly, were left stunned.
And captain Harry Kane emphasised England’s sudden superiority a minute into the extra 30 minutes when he headed home from close range to complete a remarkable turnaround and set up a quarter-final meeting with Switzerland.
England’s display before Bellingham’s wonder goal was another to add to the catalogue of mediocrity they have delivered under Gareth Southgate in Germany, even though Kane had missed an easy header and Declan Rice struck a post as they strived for the equaliser.
Bellingham, the young man with the Midas touch, came up with the goods to save them at the death as England’s stuttering Euro 2024 journey goes on.
England victory comes at a price
England manager Gareth Southgate will have to make at least one enforced change when they face Switzerland in the last eight as he will be deprived of defender Marc Guehi after he picked up a second yellow card.
Guehi was unfortunate as he was placed in tough position by Kieran Trippier’s dreadful pass after only three minutes.
He then showed his mentality for the big stage by safely negotiating the rest of normal time plus the extra 30 minutes without further brushes with Turkish referee Umut Meler, who was more than willing to brandish yellow cards, also booking Bellingham and Mainoo inside the first 20 minutes.
For all the criticism England have justifiably received for their displays so far, Guehi has emerged as arguably their best player, a calm and composed presence alongside John Stones.
He will be annoyed he allowed Schranz to get in behind him for Slovakia’s goal but Guehi also made some crucial interventions as England wobbled so badly in the first half. He will be missed against the Swiss.
