MUCH has been said about the Gareth Southgate’s tactics and the misfiring Three Lions since the tournament began.
That intense scrutiny will no doubt continue and as it is to be expected when managing or playing for a team boasting world class players such as Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.
England have been touted as a favourite to lift the trophy but have been poor thus far; Southgate’s saving grace is that the Three Lions remain in contention.
As expected, Spain made light work of surprise package Georgia with a thumping 4-1 win after an initial scare.
This is the round-up of the knockout Euro 2024 matches that were played early this morning.
England 2 v Slovakia 1
England players and manager had struck a defiant tone in the run-up to this game. Fans, media and pundits have all taken a swipe at them for playing some of the worst football at Euro 2024 but the fact remains the Three Lions topped their group.
England, however, played this game seemingly with the intention of proving their detractors right.
Slow, sluggish and totally bereft of inspiration, England were simply awful as a fearless Slovakia took the lead in the 25th minute and totally dictated proceedings until the virtually the last kick of the game.
Cometh the hour, cometh the big guns. La Liga’s player of the season Jude Bellingham equalised with a spectacular scissor kick in the final minute of injury time before Europe’s Golden Boot winner Harry Kane scored in the very first minute of extra time.
England are through to the quarterfinals and the fact remains that they have done so playing absolutely tepid football. The mind boggles at the thought of Southgate throwing caution to the wind and the team actually clicking.
Spain 4 v Georgia 1
Georgia weathered the storm for the first 20 minutes of the game as red-hot favourites Spain piled on the pressure but with their very first attack, Georgia took the lead via an own goal from Robin Le Normand in the 18th minute.
However, as befitting a team that is being touted as potential champions, Spain did not panic and continued to turn the screws, secure in the knowledge that Georgia could not withstand such incessant pressure.
The floodgates duly opened with Manchester City’s Rodri grabbing the equaliser before Ruiz Fabian, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo added to the scoreline.
Spain were good value for the result and could have scored a few more not for some dogged defending and world-class goalkeeping. Georgia depart with their heads held high. Spain now face host Germany for what is looking like the big match-up for the quarterfinals. – July 1, 2024
Upcoming fixtures:
France v Belgium – 12am (July 2)
Portugal v Slovenia – 3am (July 2)
Main pic credit: Reuters
