Gareth Southgate unlocks new England problem after remarkable Slovakia comeback

England survived an almighty scare against Slovakia (Image: GETTY)

The great irony of it all was that Gareth Southgate was in unfamiliar territory when Jude Bellingham's remarkable 95th-minute overhead kick hit the net.

After Southgate finally came back down to earth amidst the pandemonium, he realised he had to assemble all of the attacking players he thrust onto the field in desperation into a functional system.

But what there is just no getting away from is that unpredictability is what got England over the line and got a nation dreaming again at Euro 2024.

Ivan Toney was at the heart of it all and was moments away from going the entire tournament without playing a single minute.

function loadOvpScript(){let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=114291&playerApiId=v114291');document.getElementById('ovp-primis').appendChild(el)} window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v114291"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}});window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',()=>{setTimeout(()=>{if(typeof flagTcfLoaded!=='undefined'&&flagTcfLoaded===!0){loadOvpScript() ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP flagTcfLoaded',new Date())}else{document.addEventListener("tcfLoaded",()=>{loadOvpScript() ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP tcfLoaded',new Date())})}},1500)})

However, his strong frame and exceptional hold-up play got England ticking. Bellingham's fire-cracker was the moment of salvation but it also gave the Three Lions the confidence to free themselves from their shackles.

Related articles Five England players saved by Bellingham and Kane in Euro 2024 win vs Slovakia Jude Bellingham two-word reaction speaks volumes after incredible England goal

That's precisely how they pipped themselves ahead just one minute into extra-time when substitutes Eberechi Eze and Toney combined before captain Harry Kane headed home.

England had been so robotic until Cole Palmer was introduced into action on 66 minutes and his sumptuous drop of the shoulder and pinpoint delivery sparked his side into life.

Now we will truly see what Southgate is made of when he selects his starting XI to face Switzerland on Saturday. There is simply no way he can justify sticking to his guns after what we witnessed here in Gelsenkirchen.

Eze was also excellent while there is now a strong case that Palmer should be starting ahead of two-time England Player of the Year Saka.

Either way, such decisions are now a luxury as England were seemingly seconds from an embarrassing elimination. Nothing seemed to be going their way until Bellingham's remarkable piece of improvisation that effectively snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

Gareth Southgate was saved by Jude Bellingham in Gelsenkirchen (Image: GETTY) Related articles Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane save England in epic comeback win over Slovakia Gary Neville accuses Southgate of 'illegal' offence during England vs Slovakia

You still had to feel for Ollie Watkins and Anthony Gordon, who may now have fallen even further down the England attacking pecking order but there are horses for courses.

Gordon warmed up relentlessly after the half-time break, waiting for his moment to shine. Palmer got the spotlight and made it count.

England's players enjoyed a moment with the fans at the full-time whistle as they belted out Sweet Caroline but the reality of the situation is they must improve against the Swiss.

But don't underestimate the power of that Bellingham goal and what that moment of ecstasy can do for a group of caged animals. England have arrived at Euro 2024 and they have the quality to go the distance.

Slovakia proved they were no gimme but England almost beat themselves. They now need to find a winning formula that can get them over the line because the quality of opposition is only going to get stronger.

SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Related articles Belgium boss fires warning to Mbappe and co before mouth-watering Euro 2024 tie Luciano Spalletti scrambles to save his job after Italy's Euro 2024 exit

Gareth Southgate unlocks new England problem after remarkable Slovakia comeback

Gareth Southgate unlocks new England problem after remarkable Slovakia comeback

Gareth Southgate unlocks new England problem after remarkable Slovakia comeback

Gareth Southgate unlocks new England problem after remarkable Slovakia comeback

Gareth Southgate unlocks new England problem after remarkable Slovakia comeback