JUDE BELLINGHAM BICYCLE KICK SAVES THE DAY FOR ENGLAND

Despite a total system failure throughout the European Championship campaign for England, resulting in two draws and a clutch win, the central midfield spot has been the only position changed. First Conor Gallagher came in for a silly Trent Alexander-Arnold experiment, and today the in-form Kobbie Mainoo was finally selected. No changes elsewhere made for truly bizarre reading however. Slovakia were the first challenge after progressing through the group-stage, and had all of the tools required to cause England a great deal of pain.

Slovakia took the game to England straight away, and other than a soft penalty shout the Three Lions again looked lost. Slovakia took the lead through some nice hold-up play, threading a pass through before slotting past Jordan Pickford. Half-time brought a telling off, but astoundingly (and somehow also unsurprisingly) no changes to the team. England started the second half really brightly, with Phil Foden scoring what would have been the equaliser if not for him being in an offside position. Slovakia could have scored again after a horrendous mistake from Kyle Walker but luckily the ball dragged wide. Harry Kane spurned a huge chance when he headed a ball well wide of the target from a great position. Declan Rice then hit the post before Kane missed the rebound with a poor effort again.

Jude saw more of the ball, but had his third quiet game in a row - but world class players can make the difference even during poor spells. Deep into added time, Jude Bellingham lined himself up for a bicycle kick out of nowhere, and nailed the execution - sending the ball into the bottom corner to equalise. Harry Kane then nodded England ahead straight into extra-time as the game turned on its head. Slovakia should had equalised after a good move but put the ball over the bar. Slovakia pushed hard towards the end - but England held out for the 2-1 to progress. Time is running out for Gareth Southgate.

2024-06-30T18:43:52Z dg43tfdfdgfd