England was seconds away from an embarrassing defeat in Gelsenkirchen as Slovakia maintained a lead they had held since the 25th minute when Ivan Schranz raced into the box and poked a low finish past England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Bellingham, who turned 21 on Saturday, then demonstrated the brilliance that has propelled him to the status of England’s new superstar by flying through the air in the penalty area and sending Marc Guehi’s headed flip past Martin Dubravka with a stunning acrobatic kick. Bellingham saved England from a performance so bad that his goal was their first shot on goal – but he also laid the groundwork for a victory as Slovakia, who had defended so obstinately, were left stunned.
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Englandās Great Escape, races into quarter-finals
And captain Harry Kane emphasized England’s sudden dominance a minute into the extra 30 minutes, heading home from close range to cap a remarkable comeback and set up a quarter-final clash with Switzerland. England’s performance prior to Bellingham’s wonder goal was another example of mediocrity under Gareth Southgate in Germany.
Despite Kane missing an easy header and Declan Rice hitting a post as they sought an equalizer. Bellingham, a young man who has the Midas touch, came up with an idea to save them at the last minute as England’s stuttering Euro 2024 campaign continues. England’s hopes appeared dashed as they entered the final minutes against Slovakia, with even the nation’s fans reduced to somber silence by the lack of quality and creativity they had been forced to witness. Southgate and his players would have known what awaited them if Slovakia had won, which would have effectively ended the manager’s reign and left England with no choice but to withdraw from Germany.