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  Everton news: Selling women's team 'Setting up the business to be more profitable'

England's Dramatic Comeback: Bellingham's Magic and Kane's Heroics Secure Euro 2024 Quarter-Final Spot


In a heart-stopping encounter at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen, England staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Slovakia 2-1 after extra time, booking their place in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. What began as a nightmare for Gareth Southgate's side, trailing for much of the match and staring down the barrel of an embarrassing exit, transformed into a tale of redemption thanks to moments of individual brilliance from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. The Three Lions will now face Switzerland in Dusseldorf on Saturday, with renewed hope but lingering questions about their overall form.

The match unfolded against a backdrop of mounting pressure on Southgate, whose team had underwhelmed in the group stage despite topping Group C. England entered the last-16 tie as heavy favorites against a Slovakia side ranked 45th in the world, but the underdogs, led by the experienced Francesco Calzona, nearly pulled off one of the tournament's greatest upsets. Slovakia's game plan was clear from the outset: frustrate England's star-studded lineup with a compact defense and capitalize on counter-attacks. It worked to perfection for 95 minutes, leaving England fans in despair and critics sharpening their knives.

The drama began early. England dominated possession in the opening exchanges, with Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka probing the flanks, but clear chances were scarce. Slovakia's first real foray forward came in the 25th minute, and it proved decisive. A swift break saw Ivan Schranz latch onto a through ball from David Strelec, outpacing Marc Guehi and slotting calmly past Jordan Pickford. The goal stunned the English contingent, and suddenly, the ghosts of past tournament failures—Iceland in 2016, for instance—loomed large.

As the first half wore on, England's response was labored. Harry Kane, the captain and talisman, found himself isolated, while Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo struggled to dictate the midfield tempo. Bellingham, the 21-year-old sensation from Real Madrid, cut a frustrated figure, his usual dynamism subdued by Slovakia's disciplined marking. Southgate's tactics came under scrutiny; the decision to persist with a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Foden in a central role, seemed to stifle creativity. By halftime, England had managed just one shot on target, a tame effort from Kane that Martin Dubravka comfortably saved.

The second half brought more of the same. England pushed forward with urgency but lacked precision. A potential equalizer from Foden was ruled out for offside after a VAR check, and Rice struck the post with a thunderous long-range effort. Slovakia, meanwhile, grew in confidence, with Lukas Haraslin and Strelec threatening on the break. The clock ticked mercilessly towards full time, and with five minutes of added time announced, England's tournament hung by a thread. Fans in the stands and back home began to brace for the inevitable post-mortem: another early exit, another inquest into Southgate's reign.

Then came the moment that will be etched in English football folklore. In the 95th minute, with elimination seconds away, Kyle Walker launched a long throw into the box. The ball was flicked on, and there was Bellingham, contorting his body to execute a stunning overhead kick that looped over Dubravka and into the net. The stadium erupted; Bellingham wheeled away in celebration, ripping off his shirt and roaring to the heavens. It was a goal of pure genius, reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo's famous bicycle kick, and it kept England's dreams alive. "That's why we play," Bellingham later reflected, his youthful exuberance shining through. "Moments like that are what you dream of as a kid."

Extra time beckoned, and England, buoyed by the equalizer, seized the initiative. Just 52 seconds into the additional period, Kane rose highest to head home Ivan Toney's flick-on from a Foden cross, sending the ball into the roof of the net. It was Kane's first goal of the knockout stages and his 64th for England, underscoring his status as the nation's all-time leading scorer. The Bayern Munich striker, who had endured a quiet tournament up to that point, admitted post-match: "We were on the brink, but that's football. You have to dig deep, and we did."

Slovakia, deflated but defiant, pushed for an equalizer of their own. Peter Pekarik forced a save from Pickford, and Tomas Suslov saw a shot deflected wide, but England's defense, marshaled by John Stones and the returning Guehi, held firm. Southgate introduced substitutes like Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze, and Toney, injecting fresh energy and tactical flexibility. Palmer, in particular, impressed with his direct running, nearly adding a third with a curling effort.

The victory, while euphoric, masked deeper issues. England's performance for much of the game was pedestrian, with only 58% possession translating into meaningful opportunities. Critics pointed to Southgate's conservative approach—starting without natural width and delaying substitutions—as nearly costing the team dearly. Bellingham's goal papered over cracks in a side that has scored just four goals in four matches at the tournament. Former England captain Alan Shearer, commentating for the BBC, noted: "They got away with it, but they can't keep relying on moments of magic. Switzerland will be a tougher test."

Player performances varied wildly. Bellingham, rated a 9/10 by many outlets, was the undisputed hero, his goal salvaging what could have been a disastrous night. Kane, despite his winner, was subdued until extra time, earning a 7/10. Rice anchored the midfield solidly (8/10), while Saka's tireless running on the right (7/10) provided outlets. On the downside, Kieran Trippier struggled at left-back (5/10), highlighting the absence of Luke Shaw, and Mainoo, at just 19, showed promise but was overrun at times (6/10). Pickford's distribution was erratic, but his saves in extra time were crucial (7/10).

Reactions poured in from all quarters. Southgate, defending his position amid calls for his head, praised his team's resilience: "We've shown character when it mattered most. This group has heart, and that's what wins tournaments." Bellingham, ever the showman, dedicated his goal to the fans: "For everyone who believed in us, that one's for you." Kane echoed the sentiment, emphasizing unity: "We're not perfect, but we're in it together."

Slovakia's players, heartbroken, could hold their heads high. Schranz, the goalscorer, reflected: "We gave everything against a top team. It's tough to take, but we're proud." Calzona, the Italian coach who has transformed Slovakia into a competitive outfit, lamented the late collapse: "Football can be cruel. We were so close to history."

Looking ahead, England's path to glory remains fraught. Switzerland, fresh from eliminating holders Italy, present a formidable challenge with their organized pressing and attacking flair led by Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo. Southgate must address tactical imbalances—perhaps reinstating Shaw if fit, or experimenting with Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield. The quarter-final offers a chance for redemption, but also the risk of exposure if England's frailties persist.

This win, dramatic as it was, reignites the debate about England's potential. Are they genuine contenders, capable of emulating the 1966 World Cup heroes, or merely survivors riding their luck? Bellingham's acrobatics and Kane's header have bought time, but the road to Berlin demands more. For now, the nation celebrates a great escape, but the real test lies ahead.

In the broader context of Euro 2024, England's progression maintains the tournament's unpredictability. With heavyweights like Germany and Spain advancing smoothly, and surprises like Georgia's run ending against Spain, the competition is wide open. England's story, one of peril and perseverance, adds another chapter to the drama. As the quarter-finals approach, fans will hope this comeback sparks a renaissance, turning promise into performance.

The match also highlighted the emotional rollercoaster of international football. From the despair of Schranz's opener to the ecstasy of Bellingham's equalizer, it encapsulated why the Euros captivate millions. England's players, battle-hardened, now turn their focus to Switzerland, knowing that another off-day could end their journey. Southgate, under the microscope, must inspire consistency. For Bellingham, the boy wonder, this could be the launchpad to superstardom. Kane, chasing Alan Shearer's all-time record, eyes more goals. The Three Lions roar on, but the jungle ahead is dense.

(Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full BBC Article at:
[ https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c36jpy4npl6o ]

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