England narrowly avoided an embarrassing exit in the last 16 of Euro 2024, thanks to Jude Bellingham's overhead kick and Harry Kane's extra-time winner, securing a 2-1 victory over Slovakia on Sunday.

The Three Lions, heavily favored to end their 58-year drought for major tournament glory, were on the verge of elimination following Ivan Schranz's 25th-minute goal. Bellingham's spectacular effort five minutes into stoppage time revitalized Gareth Southgate's tenure as England manager. Kane then sealed the win with a header just one minute into extra time, setting up a quarter-final clash with Switzerland on Saturday.

Southgate's Tactical Struggles
Southgate appeared destined for dismissal after stubbornly refusing to alter a team that had limped through Group C, scoring just two goals in three games. The introduction of Kobbie Mainoo for his first competitive start was Southgate's only change, resulting in another uninspired performance lacking speed or creativity.

England's makeshift defense, which had conceded just once in the group stage, was dismantled early on by a Slovakia team ranked 45th in the world. Slovakia took advantage of England's sluggishness, with David Hancko and Lukas Haraslin missing early opportunities. Eventually, David Strelec set up Schranz, who coolly finished past Jordan Pickford for his third goal of the tournament.

A Struggle to Equalize
Despite Mainoo's efforts to ignite some life into England's play, the team struggled to create meaningful chances. The halftime whistle was met with boos from the England supporters, but Southgate resisted making changes until the final 25 minutes.

England showed some improvement in the second half, with Phil Foden's goal ruled out for offside after a VAR review. Slovakia missed a chance to double their lead when Strelec failed to capitalize on Pickford's poor positioning.

Southgate's hand was forced on 66 minutes due to an injury to Kieran Trippier. With Luke Shaw not match-fit, Bukayo Saka was moved to left-back to accommodate Cole Palmer. England's chances seemed slim when Kane missed a golden opportunity and Declan Rice hit the post.

Dramatic Turnaround
As stoppage time dwindled, Bellingham acrobatically converted Marc Guehi's flick-on from a throw-in, breathing new life into England's campaign. Slovakia, rattled by the late equalizer, struggled to regain composure. Ivan Toney, brought on late, made a significant impact by heading Eberechi Eze's mishit shot back across goal for Kane to score his second goal of the tournament.

Slovakia had one final chance to equalize and force penalties, but Peter Pekarik failed to convert a point-blank cross. England held on and now prepare for a quarter-final showdown with Switzerland, who eliminated holders Italy with a 2-0 victory.

England's escape from the brink of defeat offers renewed hope as they continue their quest for Euro 2024 glory.