Jude Bellingham produced a moment of genius to keep England in Euro 2024 as they survived another desperate display and a huge scare to beat Slovakia in dramatic fashion to reach the last eight.
England were seconds away from an embarrassing exit in Gelsenkirchen as Slovakia defended a lead they had held since the 25th minute when Ivan Schranz raced into the box to poke a low finish past England keeper Jordan Pickford.
It was then that Bellingham, who celebrated his 21st birthday on Saturday, demonstrated the brilliance that has made him England’s new superstar by going airborne in the penalty area to send Marc Guehi’s headed flick past Martin Dubravka with a stunning overhead kick.
Bellingham rescued England from a performance that scaled such depths that his goal was their first effort on target – but then set the platform for a victory as Slovakia, who had defended so stubbornly, were left stunned.
And captain Harry Kane emphasised England’s sudden superiority a minute into the extra 30 minutes when he headed home from close range to complete a remarkable turnaround and set up a quarter-final meeting with Switzerland.
England’s display before Bellingham’s wonder goal was another to add to the catalogue of mediocrity they have delivered under Gareth Southgate in Germany, even though Kane had missed an easy header and Declan Rice struck a post as they strived for the equaliser.
Bellingham, the young man with the Midas touch, came up with the goods to save them at the death as England's stuttering Euro 2024 journey goes on.
Latest Stories
-
Global fashion waste crisis: Africa calls for an end to ‘waste colonialism’
1 hour -
Daily Insight for CEOs: Mastering business agility – A CEO’s competitive advantage
1 hour -
US deports more alleged gang members to El Salvador
1 hour -
Zimbabwe shuts down amid calls for protests
2 hours -
At least 5 killed in explosion at Spanish mine
2 hours -
Six houses belonging to herdsmen torched in Gomoa Amenfi over farm dispute
4 hours -
Int’l. Islamic Youth League, African Youth Devt. Centre supports Muslim community during salah celebrations
5 hours -
Kumasi fire: A/R Minister halts creation of new lorry terminal after fire
5 hours -
Vanuatu Trade Commissioner to Ghana Amb. Prof Hugh Keku Aryee wins ‘Best in AI Innovation’ award
5 hours -
Anlo-Afiadenyigba Youth Council congratulates Wisdom Seade on Keta MCE nomination
5 hours -
Gov’t undertakes initiative to prevent conflicts in Volta Region – James Gunu
5 hours -
Suhum Children’s Hospital in distress; ‘Love Without Walls’ to the rescue
5 hours -
The death of a legend of legends – Teddy Osei of Osibisa
5 hours -
Ja Rule tours National Museum ahead of Nuaso school commissioning
5 hours -
Agotime-Kpetoe market women protest NDC’s failure to appoint female DCE
5 hours