Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane won the match for England amidst Slovakia scare in the Round of 16 tie of UEFA Euro 2024. England have endured a difficult campaign at the tournament.
The Three Lions have simply fail to come up with the goods at the EUROs. England were one of the favorites to go all the way and lift the trophy. However, their performance as a team has been far from convincing.
Undoubtedly, The Three Lions have one of the strongest squads on paper. They have Manchester City’s Phil Foden who was the Premier League Player of the season. Additionally, Jude Bellingham is a Champions League winner in his first season with Real Madrid. Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka are coming off of an exceptional club season. Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer, who was the Premier League Young Player of the Season, is warming up the bench.
This goes on to show how powerful a team England can be. Nonetheless, Gareth Southgate has struggled to find the right balance with this team. Furthermore, the creativity in attack and sense of team chemistry is simply invisible at the moment.
As of now, it seems highly improbable that this England team would go all the way. Especially, if they keep playing in a similar manner with lack of intent.
An overlook of England’s evolution under Gareth Southgate:
Gareth Southgate began his managerial career with the Three Lions in 2013 managing the U21 squad. Subsequently, he would take charge of the senior team as a caretaker manager in 2016. Thereafter, he would be appointed permanently.
Southgate’s first tournament with the Three Lions was the World Cup 2018. Southgate made an immediate impact leading the Three Lions to the Semi-Finals for the first time in 28 years. However, England would fall short against Croatia.
Followingly, England would take part in the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2018. Southgate would lead the Three Lions to their first 3rd place finish since 1968. Subsequently, England would host the EURO 2020. Southgate propelled England to their 2nd ever final in any major international tournament. Although, the hosts would fall short on penalties against Italy.
France would then eliminate England from the last 8 of the 2022 World Cup. England have so far won 60 out of 99 games under Southgate.
Despite having one of the strongest squads in recent generation, England are trophyless under Southgate. Moreover, the Three Lions haven’t tasted major silverware since their 1966 World Cup victory.
Bellingham and Kane save England from shameful defeat against Slovakia!
England were grouped with Denmark, Slovenia and Serbia. Jude Bellingham would score the only goal in the game against Serbia securing vital 3 points for England in the first game.
Followingly, the Three Lions would draw Denmark 1-1 as Harry Kane would find the back of the net. In the final game, England would endure a horrific goalless draw against Slovenia. Nevertheless, England did manage to top their group and secure qualification. However, their confidence was shattered.
In the round of 16 tie against Slovakia, England were 2nd best for most of the game. Despite lacking in creativity, the Three Lions were resolute at the back in the group stage. Although, it was their defense that let them down in the first 45. Slovakia led the game as England were cut open by Ivan Schranz.
The Three Lions looked a bit better at the beginning of the second 45. Phil Foden seemed to have put England back in contention as Kieran Trippier found him for a tap in. Although, the goal did not stand as Foden was offside. Fans were in a state of frustration throughout the game. Henceforth, fans were heading to the exit doors.
It wasn’t until the very end when Jude Bellingham improvised and scored a stunning overhead that put England on level terms. Bellingham’s goal forced extra time. Consequently, many fans wanted to re-enter the stadium!
Thereafter, Harry Kane would put England ahead with a minute into the extra time. Kane’s goal proved to be the clincher as Slovakia would be beaten. Kane is now the European with most goals across previous 4 major international competitions. If not for Bellingham and Kane, England would have been in a rather extremely embarrassing situation.
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