England are through to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 but only after a nerve-shredding victory over Slovakia on Sunday evening.
The Three Lions laboured through the group stage, turning in some hugely disappointing performances.
A 1-0 victory over Serbia was a good start if a little underwhelming, before drab draws against Denmark and Slovenia.
Gareth Southgate’s men simply had to turn in a better performance against Slovakia with a place in the last eight up for grabs.
England were poor again though and Ivan Schranz slotted Slovakia in front in the first goal.
Toiling away against a solid Slovakia side, England looked to be heading out before Jude Bellingham produced a stunning overhead kick to draw England level in the 95th minute.
Harry Kane then popped up with the winner in extra time, heading England into a quarter-final matchup against Switzerland next weekend.
Bukayo Saka reacts to England win
The euphoria of such an incredible late win has possibly masked another poor England performance.
England have been too slow in possession and too easy to play against out of possession, so Southgate still has plenty to think about in the coming days.
For now though, England fans are still on cloud nine after a dramatic victory, with the players probably feeling the same way.
Bukayo Saka has now taken to Instagram to share his thoughts having operated in a number of roles against Slovakia.
Saka started as England’s right winger, fending off competition from Cole Palmer, before switching to left back in order to accommodate the Chelsea man.
Saka then played as a wing back in extra time, showing his versatility to help England get the job done.
That may not be what Saka ideally wants but the Arsenal man did what he had to do in order to help the team.
Saka has now taken to social media to post just one word after England’s win – ‘spirit’.
Saka’s photo captured England players celebrating in extra time, highlighting the unity in the England team.
Declan Rice showed his support for his Arsenal teammate with a message whilst fans praised him for his performance.
It’s unclear whether Saka will start in his usual right-wing spot against Switzerland or whether he will be asked to do a job elsewhere.
Either way, you can be sure that Southgate will be desperate to get Saka onto the pitch as England chase a semi-final place.
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