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)
Jordan Pickford 6
A strange energy about him and it seemed unsettling, bouncing around and stepping out to join centre-backs when they had ball early on. 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. No wonder he wants to join in play!
Kyle Walker 4
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 near close enough to what he should in attack. All of a sudden, he looked his 34 years here.
Kyle Walker was either losing the ball or allowing Slovakia to run in behind him first half
John Stones 5
Did not take responsibility in build-up to Slovakia goal and had jittery moments where he lacked concentration – his doziness nearly allowed Strelec to score from halfway. Too many pointless passes in defensive third, too. He is not a defensive leader in the mould of Butcher, Adams or Terry, and England miss that.
Centre-back John Stones did not take responsibility in the build-up to Slovakia’s game
Marc Guehi 5.5
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-final because of early booking, even if shaky here.
Kieran Trippier 5
Sold Guehi short with pass that led to team-mate’s booking and ballooned one great chance over the bar during difficult first half. He did well to control and cross for Foden to finish but was let down by scorer straying offside. Not his fault, but a right back at left back is a glaring issue for balance of side.
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 he’s not offering midfield dynamism he should. It’s all a bit huff and puff, and he’s not blowing anything down .
Kobbie Mainoo 7
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 courage to get on ball than others. 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 5
One or two bright moments but that is all – a theme of his tournament. From attacking perspective he’s not doing enough to justify being picked ahead of Palmer. Did a job for the team when switched positions in extra-time, but this is 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 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 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 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. Poor deliveries, too.
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 carried 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) 7
Immediately he was an upgrade on Foden and Saka in the final third – and it is staggering why we had to wait more than an hour to see him. He MUST start against Switzerland.
Eberechi Eze (on for Mainoo 84) 6.5
It was a mishit, but who cares? His decision to take on a difficult shot led to Kane’s winner and England looked better for his energy, even if quality wasn’t always there.
Ivan Toney (for Foden 90) 7.5
A game-changer. Just by being on the pitch he gave Slovakia something else to worry about and that contributed to equaliser before he then laid on winner for Kane. Well played.
Conor Gallagher (for Kane 106) 5.5
Brought on to help see home the result and that he did. Added a bit of bite when England needed it as team-mates tired.
Ezri Konsa (for Bellingham 106) 5.5
Could be vying for a start with Guehi suspended and did what he had to here in closing stages.
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’s introduction in stoppage-time helped swing game, and he deserves credit for that. But really, this was another painful and, sadly, predictable performance.
Referee – Umut Meler (TUR) 5
You wondered if we were going to finish with a game of 5-a-side given the flurry of early cards – some justified, some not. He seemed too hyped up for the game and did well to get through it without a red card or making a serious error, given his nervous energy.
Slovakia (4-3-3): Dubravka 6; Pekarik 6 (Tupta 109, 5), Vavro 6.5, Skriniar 6.5, Hancko 6; Kucka 6.5 (Bero 81, 5.5), Lobotka 7, Duda 6.5 (Benes 81, 5); Schranz 7 (Gyomber 90, 5), Strelec 6.5 (Bozenik 61), Haraslin 7 (Suslov 61, 5)
Manager: Francesco Calzona 7
