It was to be an all-out war as England took on Slovakia in the round of 16, with each team very determined to take a place in the quarterfinals at Euro 2024.

The Slovaks had charmed everybody with their displays and, therefore, would not do well to be taken lightly. 

The Euro 2024 game began steeply in favor of Slovakia, very easy to catch England off guard. The Slovak team was exceptional—with great teaming and displays of skill—severely putting the English defense under pressure.

Minutes went by, but still, England could not find their rhythm in creating clear-cut chances. The Slovak goalkeeper was on his feet with magnificent saves, making the efforts of the English forwards worthwhile.

In the first five minutes of the match, Slovakia appeared to be the stronger team as they executed a fantastic offensive move, but Dávid Hancko’s initial effort missed the goal by a narrow margin.

It took just under three minutes for England’s Marc Guéhi to receive the first yellow card of the game. Kobbie Mainoo got his own yellow a few minutes later.

Though behind, England never lost their hopes. They kept pushing forward and kept the Slovakian defense under siege. The English side was overly accommodating, too resilient, and determined to turn the match around.

Slovakia pushed forward quickly and forcefully to set themselves up for another goal, but Jordan Pickford made an incredible stop to deny his opponent. Jude Bellingham and Juraj Kucka were hit by cards in the meanwhile, and the yellow ones kept falling like hail.

In the 25th minute of the game Slovakia finally scored the first goal and took the lead courtesy of this superb shot from Ivan Schranz.

They persisted into the second half, eventually netting a fantastic equalizing goal.  Slovakia goalie Martin Dúbravka was key in ensuring that England’s tally remained at 0.

When Phil Foden scored in the 50th minute, England exhaled a sigh of relief to start the second half. However, the score was eliminated because Foden was judged to be offside on the run.

With his second effort of the game, Harry Kane tried his hardest to tie the score, but a Slovakian defender parried the ball.

At the 61st minute, all hearts were racing as Phil Foden took the free kick was was unsuccessful and was turned back by the defenders guarding the goal as well as their lead.

Other than Jude Bellingham, who? With an incredible bicycle kick that rebounded across the goal line, he once again proved to be a hero for The Three Lions when all appeared lost for England. The game went into extra time after the incredible goal.

While Slovakia made a valiant effort to tie the score, Jordan Pickford and England’s defense stood firm.

The extra time really did not turn out to be so extra. Every team fought to the last breath, knowing one mistake would end the game. England pushed and pushed forward, driven by their need to win.

And then, from out of nowhere, Harry Kane’s header got that ball into the net to take a 2-1 lead. The stadium was set on fire by the numerous shouts of joy from the English camp as they were ecstatic over their victory.

Takeaways from the Game

England vs. Slovakia—nothing is etched in stone; in fact, it’s part of what makes Euro 2024 so exciting. Slovakia ended up being a very worthy opponent and startled everyone early on with their first goal.

Yet, the never-give-up attitude of England carved them the much-needed victory eventually. With the beautiful game of football, one needs to remember that it contains what it has, and anything may happen anytime—one cannot underlook any team once they step into the playing field.

With 14 teams remaining in Euro 2024 England, ranked ninth in Alexi Lalas’ most recent power rankings, is the only team with a +350 chance to win it all. Furthermore, when the team produced an incredible comeback to defeat Slovakia, its chances could be improved.