England came from behind to beat Slovakia 2-1 after extra-time and secure their place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
Gareth Southgate‘s side were woeful for much of normal time and fell behind to a goal from Ivan Schranz.
However, a superb overhead kick from Jude Bellingham pulled England level before Harry Kane scored what proved to be the winner in the early stages of extra-time.
England will take on Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
Mail Sport’s Craig Hope assesses how each of the England players performed.
England came from behind to beat Slovakia and reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2024
ENGLAND (4-3-3)
Had a strange energy about him and it seemed unsettling, bouncing around and stepping up to join centre-backs when they had the ball. Saying that, he’s not the problem with this team and he must be aghast at what plays out in front of him at times.
A penny for Trent Alexander-Arnold’s thoughts? Walker was either losing the ball or allowing Slovakia to run in behind him first half. Did not – and has not – added anything close enough to England’s attack this tournament.
Kyle Walker was either losing the ball or allowing Slovakia to run in behind him first half
Did not take responsibility in build-up to Slovakia goal and had a couple of jittery moments where he lacked concentration, evidenced by him switching off when Bellingham played short free-kick and Strelec nearly scored from halfway line. Lots of pointless passes in defensive third and he’s not the leader England need at times.
Centre-back John Stones did not take responsibility in the build-up to Slovakia’s game
Marc Guehi 6
Beaten in air leading to opening goal and was then slow to pick up run of scorer Schranz. In his defence, he took a blow in the aerial challenge. Redeemed himself with headed flick for Bellingham equaliser and made huge goalmouth block at 0-0. A shame he’ll miss quarter because of early booking.
Sold Guehi short with pass that led to team-mate’s booking and ballooned one great chance over bar during difficult first half. He did well to control and cross for Foden to finish but was let down by scorer straying offside.
Declan Rice 5.5
Was not alert in tracking Schranz when he broke from his domain to score and he’s not playing with the swagger and drive he does for Arsenal. He gives his all and was unlucky when cracking post second half, but not offering midfield control he should.
He was the only positive first half as he tried to make things happen – and this is the team’s youngest player. He put others to shame in that regard and showed more guts than most. He would have been MOM if not for England recovering to win after his late withdrawal.
Kobbie Mainoo was the only positive to emerge from England’s first half performance
Bukayo Saka 6
One or two bright moments but that is all – a theme of his tournament. Not doing nowhere near enough from attacking perspective to justify being picked ahead of Palmer. Did a job for the team when switched positions in extra-time, but this is some way below his best, especially for England.
Jude Bellingham 7.5
The saviour, but only on the back of another shocker. He’s a walking ego at times and maybe only players with that sense of worth can pull off the overhead-kick that he did. He remains a big reason this team is malfunctioning. Still, the goal was Roy of the Rovers and without it England would be out. For that, he’s my MOM.
Jude Bellingham again had some frustrating moments but scored an incredible goal
Phil Foden 4.5
He stuck to the left far more, as if under instruction, and did not get into positions where he can hurt the opposition. Surely Southgate cannot play him left-wing again after this? He should also have stayed behind the ball when creeping offside for disallowed goal. Place in team under threat after a largely anonymous night.
Phil Foden wasn’t able to get into positions where he was able to hurt the opposition
Harry Kane 6
Not at the races – again! – but his goal got his country over the finishing line and that is why he stays on the pitch. He benefited from the presence of Toney alongside him and that is something for Southgate to consider, because up front alone he is struggling, especially in a side so slow and predictable.
Subs
Cole Palmer (on for Trippier 66) 6.5
Eberechi Eze (on for Mainoo 84) 6
Ivan Toney (for Foden 90) 7
Conor Gallagher (for Kane 106) 5
Ezri Konsa (for Bellingham 106) 5
Manager – Gareth Southgate 5
He got lucky, very lucky. Before Bellingham’s rescue act the manager cut a sad and confused figure, not making changes soon enough and ignoring players such as Gordon who would surely have a made a difference.
Still, Toney introduction in stoppage-time helped swing game, and he deserves credit for that. But really, this was another painful and, sadly, predictable performance.