Gareth Southgate‘s men accomplished the work on Saturday, overcoming underdogs Slovakia with two goals from star boy Jude Bellingham, and England’s all-time goalscorer Harry Kane.
England entered the game as strong favorites, even after their shambolic group stage performances, in which they had one win and two draws, albeit topping the group.
Southgate made one change to his starting lineup: Kobbie Mainoo replaced Connor Gallagher and now became the third youngest player to start for England in an international tournament, following Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney.
They started strongly. In the 8th minute, Bellingham strode across the pitch and gave a crossfield pass to Kieran Trippier, only for him to sky the ball.
England soon paid for missing their chance, as a through pass split the defense and allowed Schranz on goal, as he sliced it across the keeper into the right side of the net.
Slovakia held on until the end of the second half when England didn’t have a shot on target. The English fans were bracing for possible elimination from the tournament then Jude Bellingham’s super acrobatic shot sailed away into the net, making it one apiece.
Harry Kane sealed the deal following Ivan Toney‘s flick, completing the comeback for England with the other of England’s only two shots on target throughout the game.
England’s next challenge is a quarter-final clash against Switzerland, a match that holds the promise of glory after 61 years of waiting. The anticipation is palpable as the team prepares for this crucial encounter.
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