Bellingham sparks England escape act

GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany — After another subpar performance, Jude Bellingham produced a moment of magic to keep England at Euro 2024.

Bellingham's spectacular overhead kick in the fifth of six added minutes shattered Slovakian hearts and sent Sunday's game into extra time, where Harry Kane sealed a 2-1 win that keeps England's hopes of a first major trophy since 1966 alive.

England was seconds away from slumping to ignominious defeat, trailing 1-0 to Slovakia deep into stoppage time in the round of 16.

"I think it was 30 or 20 seconds until we were out of the European Championship," Bellingham said. "It's hard to deny that it was one of the most important moments of my career so far."

He's had a few.

The midfielder, who turned 21 on Saturday, has just completed a stunning debut season at Real Madrid, winning the Champions League and the Spanish title.

At such a young age, he is already one of England's most important players, and he delivered a lifeline when all hope seemed lost.

"His world is different to pretty much every other 21-year-old on the planet. What he can provide 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," said England manager Gareth Southgate, who admitted he thought a tired-looking Bellingham was "out on his feet" 15 minutes before the end of regulation time.

England — one of the pre-tournament favorites and runner-up at the last Euros — trailed 45th-ranked Slovakia from the 25th minute, after Ivan Schranz gave his side a 1-0 lead.

With the clock running down, Bellingham's time came.

Kyle Walker launched a long throw from the right. Marc Guehi leapt to flick the ball on.

Bellingham was in the box and had to readjust his body to execute a perfect overhead kick, sending the ball into the bottom corner. Slovakia goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was stuck to his line, as he watched it nestle into the back of the net.

Some England fans had already left the stadium. Those still inside erupted.

"I had a funny feeling the game wasn't dead, and I know that sounds ridiculous. We were pushing and probing," Southgate said.

Bellingham's goal was England's first shot on target in the match.

It didn't have to wait long for its second as Kane headed home seconds into extra time to score his seventh goal in his last seven knockout games at major tournaments. It was also a record-extending 65th for his country.

But, for so long, it looked like a humbling exit for Southgate's team was on the cards — bringing back memories of its elimination at the hands of Iceland at Euro 2016.

"It's knockout football, and anything is possible," Southgate said.

England had faced fierce criticism for its performances in the group stage, and boos rang around the stadium in the first half as frustration grew among its fans following Schranz's strike.

It needed to improve in the second half. Phil Foden had a goal ruled out by VAR, Kane headed wide from close range and Declan Rice hit the post in the 81st.

The England manager and his players were braced for an even more severe outpouring of rage, when Bellingham produced his moment of brilliance, answering his critics after two underwhelming performances against Denmark and Slovenia.

"Playing for England, it's a lot of pleasure, but you also hear a lot of people talk a lot of rubbish. It's nice when you deliver. You can give them a little bit back," said the Real Madrid star of his goal celebration.

"For me playing football, being on the pitch, scoring goals is my release, and it's maybe a message to a few people."

Southgate was more understanding of the wave of criticism that is still set to come his side's way before it faces the Swiss in Dusseldorf.

"We're putting a plaster over things and giving young players opportunities," said Southgate.

"We're somehow finding a way. I can imagine how everyone is going to react, even though we've won, but we are still in there.

"The one thing that cannot be questioned is the desire, the commitment and the character."

The spotlight is on Southgate to find a solution over the next six days to avoid failure once more and to deliver major tournament glory on his fourth attempt.

Switzerland made light work of beating holder Italy 2-0 on Saturday and is a significant step-up in quality from Slovakia.

Slovakia had already produced a shock by beating No 3-ranked Belgium in the group stage, and it looked like doing it again against the No 5-ranked team in the world.

"They scored a goal from a player who is valued at 100 million euros ($107.6 million). This is a team worth 1.5 billion euros. You concede just half a meter and you will get punished," Slovakia coach Francesco Calzona said.

Agencies