England may appear disjointed and lack confidence as they face Slovakia, but Southgate remains hopeful they can be made competitive once more under his guidance.
Ivan Schranz headed Slovakia’s inaugural goal from a free-kick after Juraj Kucka and David Strelec combined well to launch an attack. Gareth Southgate made his first substitution by replacing Kieran Trippier with Cole Palmer; Southgate continued making further substitutions until eventually Kieran Trippier was taken off as well. In this article, we will discuss the main points of England National Football Team vs Slovakia National Football Team Timeline.
The first match of England vs Slovakia
Gareth Southgate has the players necessary to make an impactful statement at Euro 2024; unfortunately, their current form doesn’t bode well. England dominated possession in their opening match against Iceland but were unable to break the deadlock; that is a worrying sign and will require hard work if England are going to recover from this deficit.
First half was an uneventful affair and it’s understandable why no goals were scored, yet as soon as second half began England appeared much improved and began dominating proceedings; they had more shots and created more expected goals than Slovakia; yet, neither team managed to score their intended goal; making for an excruciatingly frustrating first 45 minutes.
As the game went on, England’s attack grew more dangerous as they mounted pressure and prepared to score their first goal – however it would never come easy against Slovakia’s defense which proved superb.
Kobbie Mainoo becomes embroiled in an unexpectedly contentious moment as Juraj Kucka attempts to tackle him outside the box and fouls him just outside it. However, the referee hesitates before sending Kucka off; Aaron Ramsdale comes over to diffuse the situation before exchanging words in front of the referee’s desk.
Kieran Trippier came close to breaking the deadlock during normal time when he attempted to volley a cross into the bottom corner; unfortunately it was blocked. England finally managed to score in extra time when Bellingham flicked a header across goal for Kane to tap home after Bellingham flicked a header across goal from him and onto Kane’s toe.
England finally scored in their European Championship final match after going more than an hour without finding the back of the net, giving them some much-needed hope going into extra time – providing another impressive strike from Jordan Henderson which ended an 11-goal goal drought! If they can beat Switzerland next, England have an excellent chance of qualifying for semi-finals and making history!
The second match of England vs Slovakia
After being held to a dismal 0-0 draw against Slovakia in their opening group match, England were determined to make an impression and demonstrate why they are one of the favorites for Euro 2024. And they did just that with an amazing comeback featuring Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane scoring extra-time goals!
Gareth Southgate has made a change to his midfield with Kobbie Mainoo coming on for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Connor Gallagher joining England. England look rejuvenated as they attack with renewed purpose, yet finishing is again their downfall – Foden, Saka and Harry Kane must start hitting targets to turn this match around.
Slovakia accomplished their goal through teamwork. Ivan Schranz played an excellent one-two with David Strelec which Slavia Prague striker Jozef Vavric finished off beautifully.
The game has reached a classic stalemate, with both teams having numerous opportunities to break through and take control. Ivan Toney nearly put the ball into his own net but was flagged offside before Joe Hart was defeated by Denis Vavro and received a yellow card as punishment.
Guehi again had an opportunity to score, flicking a short ball towards the back post but his effort was blocked by England’s defence. On a counter attack from Ivan Toney’s cross which Mainoo nodded onto before Kane headed in on goal from close range.
Harry Kane’s header in the first minutes of extra time saved England from Euro 2020 elimination, as they made an astounding turnaround from their dismal first half performance against Slovakia and appeared poised for shock against a disciplined team. Victory will give them faith to go far at this tournament; now, however, they need to carry this performance into future rounds; although that won’t be easy against an unbeaten Slovakia side!
The third match of England vs Slovakia
Time was ticking away as England were in trouble against Slovakia and looking like they might pull off an unlikely upset, until Jude Bellingham scored a late winner to save one of England’s worst ever losses. Looking out of his depth at first, but with some brilliant late play he managed to give Gareth Southgate’s side lifeline in their final Euro 2024 qualifier game.
Southgate implemented several changes, with Kobbie Mainoo replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold and Connor Gallagher coming into midfield alongside Declan Rice. To add speed to their attack Eberechi Eze was introduced – performing admirably down the left flank.
But it all went for nothing as Slovakia defended resolutely and held back any attempts at counterattack. One notable moment occurred when Peter Pekarik lost his footing as he chased after a through ball; as a result, Palace player James Tomkins had an opportunity to score, yet somehow shot past goal into the side netting instead of scoring directly.
122 minutes: A late push by Slovakia manager Ruzicka has interrupted a handshake between referee Martin Atkins and Rice, who took exception to Calzona pushing him away. Although this incident has now been defused, it serves as an unpleasant conclusion to what could have been an otherwise disastrous game for England.
With just under a minute remaining in this game, Gareth Southgate attempted to inject some urgency by throwing in a long pass for Toney in the box; unfortunately he could not control it and the corner failed. England will play Switzerland next in Gelsenkirchen.
The fourth match of England vs Slovakia
England produced an incredible turnaround and won big against Slovakia. Just minutes earlier it seemed as though Gareth Southgate’s side were out, but Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick and Harry Kane’s second-half strike from Harry Kane saved their chances.
An even first half saw both teams struggling to break each other down. Slovakia took an early lead through Stanislav Lobotka’s goal in the third minute but Marcus Rashford equalised for England shortly before half time. In the second half, both sides created opportunities – Phil Foden nearly scored during an exquisite team move which was later ruled offside, Kieran Trippier nearly hit a long-range effort and Ivan Toney headed in an equaliser before they ultimately tied.
At full time, England held an equal 1-1 score with Spain. Extra time would clearly be necessary, yet they were unable to turn around this match-up until the final five minutes of regulation time had expired.
Ivan Toney nearly made it 2-1 with an audacious shot from outside the box but his strike missed. Umut Meler then issued a yellow card to Marc Guehi and thus delayed Switzerland’s quarterfinal match by one match.
As the referee calls off players from Slovakia’s team, Francesco Calzona as manager, they exchange tense remarks before eventually breaking up into silence.
Slovakian Norbert Gyomber sends in an ominous cross, which narrowly misses Jordan Pickford’s post. England continue their desperate hunt for a winning goal, coming close with a swift counter which saw Toney attempt an effective header, only for it to pass wide of Jordan Pickford.
Also Read: England national football team vs switzerland national football team timeline
