England may have gotten over the line against Slovakia in their Euro 2024 last-16 clash this evening, but they will not take many positives away from their performance in the game.
Gareth Southgate's side looked to be on course for an embarrassing exit from the competition, trailing 1-0 going into injury time and failing to register a single shot on target in the first 94 minutes of the game. However, Jude Bellingham would produce an unlikely equaliser in the dying moments to send the contest to extra-time.
There was always a sense that England would go on to win the game from that point, with Harry Kane firing them in front just a minute into the additional period.
🏴 2-1 🇸🇰
Three subs - Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze and Ivan Toney - combine to set-up Harry Kane to give England the lead in the first minute of extra-time #EURO2024
📺@rte2 @rteplayer https://t.co/b2OI4OoWVJ
📱Live updates https://t.co/nj5pyznqfX pic.twitter.com/PfstknLlVK— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) June 30, 2024
Slovakia would create a couple of chances after that point, although they were unable to find the equaliser as England ran out 2-1 winners. They will now face Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday evening.
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Roy Keane Had Pragmatic Take On England Win Over Slovakia
This type of performance will not be good enough if England have ambitions of advancing deep into this tournament, but they will be massively relieved to get over the line in this game.
Roy Keane have been heavily critical of England's displays so far at Euro 2024, including when speaking on ITV at halftime of this evening's match.
However, he had a pragmatic view of their overall display after they managed secure the win in extra-time. This is how he responded when asked if any of the issues in the team will be resolved on the back of the Slovakia performance:
Not really.
Sometimes after a game you reflect on it, I go back to it, I go back to it. I know the lads will agree, you talk about performances, but also at this level it is about getting over the line and winning.
Everyone wants a great performance, but if they keep getting results and going through? The next game always seems tough for you and if you perform like that you're going to go out.
But lets see how they go. You have to give them praise. We were very critical at halftime, but they found a way to win.
Their top players found a moment. God help us when [Jude] Bellingham starts playing well, but he produced huge moments and they're getting over the line.
You have to give credit where it's due. They found a way to win, you have to give them credit for that...
Some of the greatest satisfaction I've had in my career is where you didn't play well but you win a game of football.
England will face Switzerland on Saturday evening, where they will need to hugely improve on this performance if they want to advance to the semi-finals.
They got over the line on this occasion, but you get the sense that they may not be quite as fortunate if they reproduce this display next time around.
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