Jude Bellingham saved England from an early exit in Euro 2024 with a stunning 95th-minute equalizer against Slovakia, before Harry Kane’s early extra-time goal secured a 2-1 victory, sending the pre-tournament favorites into the quarter-finals. Despite a lackluster performance, Bellingham’s bicycle kick kept England’s hopes alive, setting the stage for Kane’s header, which now sets up a clash with Switzerland in Duesseldorf on Saturday. Slovakia started the match far sharper, with Ivan Schranz scoring in the 25th minute after several warnings.
England, known for their comebacks, thought they had equalized shortly after halftime, but Phil Foden’s goal was ruled offside. Harry Kane missed a crucial header from a Foden free-kick, and Declan Rice hit the post as Slovakia defended resolutely. England seemed to lack belief, and their fans grew increasingly frustrated.
However, Bellingham, celebrating his 21st birthday, equalized with England’s first shot on target in the dying moments. “What an unbelievable goal, he’s kept our tournament alive,” Kane told ITV, calling Bellingham’s strike “one of the best in our country’s history.” Bellingham reflected on the dramatic moment, saying, “You’re 30 seconds away from going home, feeling like you’ve let your nation down, and one kick of the ball and everything’s great.
It’s a feeling I don’t want to be in but, when it comes, it’s a great feeling.” England took the lead less than a minute into extr.
