England Euro 2024 LIVE: Latest news and updates as injury rocks Gareth Southgate’s plans for Switzerland | OneFootball

Southgate has tried to evoke the spirit of 1966 (REUTERS)

England enjoyed the narrowest of lucky escapes to secure a 2-1 win over Slovakia in their Euro 2024 last-16 clash after a last-gasp bicycle kick by Jude Bellingham took the match to extra time, before Harry Kane headed the winner.

England were absolutely abject against a Slovakia team who were aggressive from the start and pressed their opponents relentlessly, taking the lead with an Ivan Schranz strike from a counter-attack in the 25th minute.

Declan Rice hit the post from long range as England desperately sought an equaliser but it wasn’t until five minutes into added time that Bellingham finally found the net to undeservedly save the Three Lions. It was a first shot on target in the game for Gareth Southgate’s men and Kane then headed home in the first minute of extra time.

Southgate will have a number of questions to answer ahead of the quarter-final, but will face an anxious wait over the fitness of Kieran Trippier, who was contending with injury in the build up to the game, and was taken off in the 66th minute after a heavy challenge.

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England’s problems at left-back

England centre-back Guehi is suspended after collecting his second booking of the tournament, but Luke Shaw could be available having been out since February with a hamstring issue.

Southgate admitted England have “a little bit of problem with our balance without a left-footed left-back” but decided against bringing him on in Gelsenkirchen.

“I think that’s got a chance,” he added. “I mean, we could have put him on, but he’s done so little full team training that that would have been a huge risk.

“A bit more training, a little bit more evidence for us of the level that he’s at will be helpful.”

Sonia Twigg1 July 2024 14:43

Bellingham will react to things the same as other young people - Gareth Southgate

Young star Bellingham epitomised that spirit when acrobatically striking home in stoppage time to salvage England’s campaign before hitting back at those talking “rubbish” about them afterwards.

“He was 21 yesterday and he’s doing unbelievably well,” Southgate said. “I understand his world better than a lot of people, I think. His world is different to pretty much every other 21-year-old in the world.

“He’s had an incredible impact on his clubs, his national team already, but he’s still a young man and he is going to say things, react to things, in a way that young people will.

“But what he can provide us are these moments where he grabs things by the scruff of the neck and his character, and his personality creates moments that can change a big game.

“That’s what he has given to us again. Two hugely important goals for us in this tournament already. He’s a great boy, he’s super to work with, wants to do well.

“Also, I think he knows that we’re trying to help him through all of these challenges and hurdles that the different environment of the national team brings because it is a different environment.”

Few understand that better than defender John Stones, who has gone from perennial Premier League champions Manchester City to his fifth major international tournament.

Sonia Twigg1 July 2024 13:47

Pints fly through air as England fans celebrate late Bellingham equaliser

England fans threw their pints into the air at BoxPark Wembley to celebrate after Jude Bellingham‘s injury time equaliser against Slovakia in the Euros last 16 on Sunday, 30 June.

The midfielder’s overhead kick five minutes into stoppage time sent the match to extra time with captain Harry Kane’s header sealing a 2-1 victory a day after Bellingham’s 21st birthday.

Bellingham celebrated his goal by raising his arms and shouting “Who else?” before seemingly gesturing a talking expression with his hand.

England will next face Switzerland in the tournament’s quarter-finals.

Pints fly through air as England fans celebrate late Bellingham equaliser

England fans threw their pints into the air at BoxPark Wembley to celebrate after Jude Bellingham's injury time equaliser against Slovakia in the Euros last 16 on Sunday, 30 June. The midfielder's overhead kick five minutes into stoppage time sent the match to extra time with captain Harry Kane’s header sealing a 2-1 victory a day after Bellingham's 21st birthday. Bellingham celebrated his goal by raising his arms and shouting “Who else?” before seemingly gesturing a talking expression with his hand. England will next face Switzerland in the tournament's quarter-finals.

Sonia Twigg1 July 2024 12:36