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England was just 86 seconds away from a shocking Euro 2024 exit until Jude Bellingham's stunner led to a 2-1 extra-time victory over Slovakia in the last 16.
Bellingham, who turned 21 on Saturday, showcased his brilliance again by scoring England's first goal in the 95th minute with their first shot on target. His superb bicycle kick from a long throw-in beat Martin Dubravka, canceling out Ivan Schranz's first-half opener and sending the match to extra-time.
Harry Kane then secured the win just 50 seconds into extra-time, heading home Ivan Toney's flick. This victory sets up a quarter-final clash with Switzerland next Saturday at 5pm.
However, the match could have ended disastrously for England. They were outplayed for long periods by the team ranked 45th in the world. Despite the pressure, manager Gareth Southgate made only one substitution before the 82nd minute, bringing on Cole Palmer after Kieran Trippier was forced off with an injury.
Slovakia had taken the lead in the first half when Ivan Schranz scored his third goal of the tournament, beating Jordan Pickford one-on-one after a pass from David Strelec. England's defense looked vulnerable, and Bellingham's poor pass nearly led to another Slovakia goal, but Strelec's shot drifted past the post.
England, boasting some of the world's best attacking talent, appeared ineffective until the final moments. They thought they had equalized shortly after halftime when Phil Foden tapped in Trippier's low cross, but VAR ruled him offside.
Harry Kane missed a clear chance, nodding Foden's free-kick past the near post, and Declan Rice hit the post with a 25-yard drive. It was Bellingham who saved the day with his late equalizer, and Kane's extra-time goal secured England's place in the quarter-finals, offering a reprieve for Southgate and his team.
Remo Freuler put Switzerland ahead after 37 minutes. Donnarumma made a stunning save to prevent a 2-0 lead just nine minutes later. However, Switzerland doubled their lead one minute into the second half with a superb finish by Ruben Vargas, who fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner.
Switzerland deservedly moved on to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the England-Slovakia game.