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Two stars step up late to keep England alive in Euros
If it weren't for the heroics of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, England probably would've had to pack its bags following its match against Slovakia on Sunday.
In the Round of 16 at UEFA Euro 2024, Bellingham scored a goal on an incredible bicycle kick in the 95th minute of the match, tying the game 1-1 and sending it to extra time. At the start of extra time, Kane quickly netted another goal, helping England escape with a 2-1 victory.
JUDE BELLINGHAM IN THE 95TH MINUTE
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 30, 2024
ABSOLUTLEY UNREAL pic.twitter.com/DuYMSpSGmm
HARRY KANE IN EXTRA TIME
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 30, 2024
AN ABSOLUTELY UNBELIEVABLE TURNAROUND FOR ENGLAND pic.twitter.com/bZbnS9fLyF
Bellingham and Kane have been criticized for their lackluster play throughout the tournament. Entering this match, England had only scored two goals and won one game in Group C. Former England star Wayne Rooney indicated the duo's apparent lack of chemistry was contributing to the squad's problems.
"Watching England against Slovenia, I focused on Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane to try to understand how they are working together," Rooney wrote in a column for The Sunday Times. "What I saw left me worried."
In a postgame interview with Fox Sports, Kane dismissed these concerns, praising Bellingham. He called the 21-year-old's goal that tied the match "one of the best in our country's history."
"The best in our country's history."
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 30, 2024
Harry Kane has nothing but this highest praise for Jude Bellingham pic.twitter.com/KktxPGTRXU
England will face Switzerland in the quarterfinals on July 6. The Nati stunned Italy in the Round of 16 and could pull off another upset if England's play fails to improve. Per The Athletic, the Three Lions only had two shots on target against Slovakia.
However, England is one of the most talented teams at Euro 2024, so it should eventually find its groove. And if Kane and Bellingham keep scoring clutch goals, life will be much easier for the club.
More must-reads:
- Watch: Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane save England from elimination
- Watch: Jude Bellingham's clutch goal keeps England's hopes alive at Euro 2024
- The 'Countries to make the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup' quiz
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