Drama against Slovakia

Line-ups! How England and Slovakia start

Harry Kane (left) and Jude Bellingham ensured the flattering victory.

(Bild: AP ( via APA) Austria Presse Agentur/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

The title favorites England have managed to scrape through to the quarter-finals of the European Football Championship against Slovakia. Only in injury time did Real kicker Jude Bellingham save the "Three Lions" in extra time. After Ivan Schranz's goal in the 25th minute, the underdogs had long sensed a sensation. In extra time, captain Harry Kane finally ensured the flattering 2:1 final score. 

England averted a last-minute exit from the last 16 of the European Football Championship. The "Three Lions" overturned a 1-0 deficit against Slovakia in the fifth minute of stoppage time in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday and finally advanced with a 2-1 win after extra time (1-1, 0-1). Two superstars lifted England into the quarter-finals, where they will face Switzerland in Düsseldorf on Saturday (6pm).

Bellingham saves England
Real Madrid playmaker Jude Bellingham and Bayern Munich goalscorer Harry Kane remained unimpressive for 90 minutes, but ultimately turned out to be the match-winners. One day after his 21st birthday, Bellingham (90.+5) equalized Ivan Schranz's (25) goal with a spectacular overhead kick, and Kane (91) headed home shortly after the start of extra time. England, who arrived with the most expensive squad of the tournament, were once again unable to impress, but still had a chance of winning their second major title after the 1966 World Cup.

Gareth Southgate

(Bild: AP/Associated Press)

Team boss Gareth Soutgate, who came in for heavy criticism after a less than inspiring performance in the group stage, continued to rely on his attacking stars and only made a change in defensive midfield with the introduction of 19-year-old youngster Kobbie Mainoo.

Slovakia played boldly
The style of play of the tournament's most valuable squad did not change either. England had plenty of possession, but were sluggish and error-prone in their build-up play before the break and rarely caused the compact Slovakians any problems. Kieran Trippier's direct shot wide of the goal (9') was the most promising attacking action in the first half.

Ivan Schranz scored the goal for Slovakia.

(Bild: AP ( via APA) Austria Presse Agentur/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

(Bild: AFP/APA/PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA)

(Bild: AP ( via APA) Austria Presse Agentur/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Coach Francesco Calzona's team were more dangerous, appearing several times in good positions in front of the English goal. The Slovakians took the lead, and not undeservedly so. After a pass from David Strelec, Schranz did not miss the chance and scored his third goal of the tournament (25').

Offside stops Foden
Shortly after the break, England were celebrating, but too soon because Phil Foden was offside when he scored (50'). They were extremely lucky in the 55th minute when, after a misunderstanding on the halfway line and with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford wide of goal, a long-range shot from Strelec narrowly missed the target.

The "Three Lions" were now exerting increasing pressure, but they were unable to break down the Slovakians. Even an ideal free-kick from Foden, which Kane headed wide from close range (78'), and a long-range shot from Declan Rice, which landed on the bar (81'), were unsuccessful. However, two set-pieces redeemed the English side. After a throw-in and header, Bellingham, who had been pale until then, scored with a wonderful overhead kick. And less than a minute after the restart, Kane headed in from a free-kick.

With the lead behind them, the English now acted more confidently. The Slovakians fought to the end for their historic first quarter-final appearance and had a great chance through Peter Pekarik (105), but failed to complete the comeback.