GLENSENKIRCHEN, JULY 1 : In a dramatic turnaround, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane led England to a stunning victory, securing their place in the quarter-finals of the Euros against Switzerland in Dusseldorf next Saturday.

England seemed destined for an early exit after 95 minutes of dreadful play. However, Bellingham’s breathtaking bicycle-kick equaliser forced extra-time, and Kane’s header just 53 seconds later clinched the lead, transforming impending defeat into a remarkable triumph.

For most of the match, England’s performance was abysmal. They hadn’t managed a single shot on target and appeared likely to lose to a team ranked 45th in the world. Despite this, England’s head coach Gareth Southgate waited an hour before making any substitutions, highlighting his ongoing in-game management issues in his 99th match in charge.

Slovakia, who finished third in their group, quickly began to dominate, making England look second-rate. England received a warning early on when Lukas Haraslin’s shot was blocked by Marc Guehi and then cleared by Kieran Trippier. Slovakia soon took the lead as David Strelec set up Michael Schranz, who slotted the ball past Jordan Pickford.

England’s performance lacked coherence and was riddled with panic. The front three were ineffective, and the defense was even worse. Only Kobbie Mainoo, making his tournament debut, earned any praise with a shot deflected wide before half-time.

Surprisingly, Southgate made no changes at half-time. Early in the second half, England thought they had equalised, but Foden was offside. It epitomised England’s lackluster display.

As the match wore on, the boos grew louder. Finally, Southgate brought on Cole Palmer for Trippier, moving Saka to left-back. Palmer immediately made an impact, delivering a cross that Foden failed to convert. Kane missed a free header, and Rice hit the post with a long-range shot.

In the 95th minute, England resorted to desperate measures, and it paid off. Walker’s long throw was headed on by Guehi, setting up Bellingham for a spectacular bicycle kick – England’s first shot on target.

Just 53 seconds into extra-time, England took the lead. Toney, who replaced Foden before the equaliser, won a free-kick. Eberi Eze’s mishit shot was cleverly headed across goal by Toney for Kane to nod home, sending England fans into raptures.

Slovakia had a chance to equalise, but Peter Pekarik missed from close range. Southgate then made bold substitutions, bringing on Ezri Konsa and Gallagher for Kane and Bellingham and switching to a back five.(UNI)