Jude Bellingham rescued the England men’s national team from an embarrassing upset. The Three Lions outlasted Slovakia in extra time, 2-1, to advance through the round of 16 at the UEFA 2024 European Championships.
England entered the match as a heavy favorite to win (-260 to win in regulation at FanDuel Sportsbook; -700 to advance). However, Slovakia (+900 to win in regulation; +470 to advance) led by a goal deep into the final seconds of regulation before Bellingham bicycle-kicked a 95th-minute equalizer to send the game to extra time.
JUDE BELLINGHAM IN THE 95TH MINUTE 😱
ABSOLUTLEY UNREAL 🔥 pic.twitter.com/DuYMSpSGmm
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 30, 2024
Captain Harry Kane headed in the go-ahead goal less than a minute into the start of extra time:
HARRY KANE IN EXTRA TIME 🔥
AN ABSOLUTELY UNBELIEVABLE TURNAROUND FOR ENGLAND pic.twitter.com/bZbnS9fLyF
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 30, 2024
England, who finished runners-up at the Euro 2020 tournament, are betting favorites (+350) to win this summer’s competition, followed by Germany (+390), Spain (+440), France (+600), Portugal (+700) and the Netherlands (+1100).
Under manager Gareth Southgate’s direction, England has been inconsistent, but remain considered among the best teams in the world. England currently ranks No. 5 in FIFA’s men’s world rankings, while Slovakia ranks No. 45.
Slovakia nearly notched its second upset against a top-five nation in this tournament following its 1-0 win over No. 3 Belgium in the opening match of the group stage. This marked Slovakia’s best finish at the Euros since 2016, when the nation also reached the round of 16.
England will face Switzerland in the quarterfinals on Saturday, July 6.
