Kane And Bellingham Seal England's Dramatic Win Against Slovakia In Euro 2024

Jude Bellingham revived England's Euro 2024 campaign with a dramatic equaliser before Harry Kane's extra-time goal secured a 2-1 victory over Slovakia in the last-16 match on Sunday. Gareth Southgate's squad seemed destined for an early exit after Ivan Schranz scored midway through the first half, marking his third goal of the tournament.

England faced an early setback when Marc Guehi received a yellow card in the third minute, ruling him out of the quarter-finals. Slovakia almost capitalised on this early advantage, with David Hancko narrowly missing and Lukas Haraslin's deflected shot nearly beating Jordan Pickford.

The Three Lions' defence was finally breached 25 minutes in when David Strelec set up Schranz, who evaded Guehi to score in the bottom-left corner. England thought they had equalised shortly after halftime, but Phil Foden's goal was disallowed for offside from Kieran Trippier's cross.

John Stones' lapse in concentration almost cost England another goal when Strelec attempted to lob Pickford from midfield. Cole Palmer replaced Bukayo Saka after 66 minutes, but the change did little to improve England's performance.

Kyle Walker's long throw-in led to Bellingham's spectacular overhead kick from the penalty spot, levelling the score five minutes into stoppage time. This goal kept England in the game and set up Kane’s historic extra-time winner.

Kane then headed home from close range just 50 seconds into extra time, making it the fastest extra-time goal in Euros history. Eberechi Eze's scuffed volley found Ivan Toney, who assisted Kane for the decisive header past Martin Dubravka.

Kane’s Milestone

Kane surpassed Peter Shilton with his 79th competitive appearance for England but initially seemed poised for disappointment. Despite winning five of their last six encounters with Slovakia, England struggled against what FIFA ranks as a lesser team.

Unlike their defeat to Iceland in 2016, Bellingham emerged as a new hero. His goal at 94 minutes and 34 seconds became England’s latest-ever Euros goal. Kane then sealed the comeback with his 14th major tournament goal, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo (22), Miroslav Klose (19), Gerd Muller (18), and Jurgen Klinsmann (16) among European players.

Schranz’s Efforts Fall Short

Schranz has been prolific for Slovakia at Euro 2024, scoring three goals in four games—matching his tally from 22 previous international appearances. He is now tied as the tournament's top scorer and only trails Robert Vittek’s four goals at the 2010 World Cup for Slovakia.

Despite Schranz’s efforts, Slovakia succumbed to late pressure from England. Southgate’s team equalised with their first shot on target and eventually clinched victory. Slovakia has now lost six of seven matches against England and will exit Euro 2024 following this hard-fought contest.

This thrilling encounter at Arena AufSchalke saw Peter Pekarik miss a crucial chance to level for Slovakia after 105 minutes, lifting his shot over from close range. England barely held on to secure their place in the quarter-finals against Switzerland.