England and Slovakia first met for a friendly at Wembley Stadium in March 2009, where England were victorious thanks to Wayne Rooney goals, Emile Heskey and Frank Lampard strikes, and Ivan Schranz’s early strike. However, their latest encounter was far more fraught, with Ivan Schranz giving Slovakia an early lead before Wayne Rooney scored twice at Wembley to earn victory for England.
In this article, we will discuss the main points of England National Football Team vs Slovakia National Football Team Timeline.
England Starting XI:
| No. | Player | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jordan Pickford | Goalkeeper |
| 2 | Kyle Walker | Defender |
| 5 | John Stones | Defender |
| 6 | Marc Guéhi | Defender |
| 12 | Kieran Trippier | Defender |
| 4 | Declan Rice | Midfielder |
| 26 | Kobbie Mainoo | Midfielder |
| 7 | Bukayo Saka | Forward |
| 10 | Jude Bellingham | Midfielder |
| 11 | Phil Foden | Forward |
| 9 | Harry Kane (Captain) | Forward |
Slovakia Starting XI:
| No. | Player | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Martin Dúbravka | Goalkeeper |
| 2 | Peter Pekarík | Defender |
| 3 | Denis Vavro | Defender |
| 14 | Milan Škriniar | Defender |
| 16 | Dávid Hancko | Defender |
| 19 | Juraj Kucka | Midfielder |
| 22 | Stanislav Lobotka | Midfielder |
| 8 | Ondrej Duda | Midfielder |
| 26 | Ivan Schranz | Forward |
| 18 | Dávid Strelec | Forward |
| 17 | Lukáš Haraslín | Forward |
For a detailed breakdown of the match events and substitutions, you can refer to the match report on Sky Sports.
1. Slovakia vs. England
Gareth Southgate has led England into Euro 2024’s quarter-finals thanks to Jude Bellingham’s stunning overhead kick equaliser against Slovakia at Boxpark Wembley in injury time. England are yet to lose against a team who beat them 4-0 at Wembley during a friendly in 2009.
After the break, Slovakia went ahead through Ivan Schranz. He held off Jozef Guehi to slide past Jordan Pickford and put his side ahead. England were forced back into their more defensive set-up as they looked for an equaliser; Bukayo Saka and Ivan Toney created half chances before Phil Foden unleashed a free-kick which caused havoc in Slovakia’s defence; Bellingham failed to capitalize with his effort being sent wide by Phil Foden’s free kick.
As time ticked away, Kieran Trippier delivered a corner from his right which the hosts managed to defend before full-time was announced by referee.
As England head back into their changing rooms, tension remains high. Kieran Trippier replaces Eberechi Eze as left wing-back for much of the game; Kobbie Mainoo appears likely to join Trippier on the bench for the final 15 minutes. England try to make progress down their left flank with Bellingham tucked behind fullback Kieran Trippier making runs down the middle and Ivan Toney making runs down both flanks; Foden and Bellingham try to break through but are both tugged back as they try to break through; with latter getting warned by referee as they limp over and join his teammates clapping him as they join his teammates clapping him off as they limp over to rejoin his teammates on their sideline.
2. Slovakia vs. England
England are now looking dismayed after conceding to Ivan Schranz’s brilliant goal, although they did have an opportunity from the penalty spot but Marc Guehi was offside, while playing against a strong wind which is making passing difficult and altering their tempo significantly. Southgate must act swiftly to bring changes into play soon or they risk further discomfiture and defeat.
Foden finds space down the left flank, but his cross is blocked and cleared for a corner kick. Although well defended, Mainoo misses from an ensuing scramble after heading wide of Dubravka’s box from another set piece defended well by Slovakia. Finally a free kick for Slovakia after Eberechi Saka was fouled is curled in but too close for Dubravka who punches away before it arrives in close.
England begins the second half more energetic, but ponderous. They don’t appear to have a plan B and are easily pushed back by an organized opposition side; Phil Foden was denied a goal after his shot was ruled offside, Harry Kane missed with low shot before Kobbie Mainoo was pulled back while driving towards goal.
Henri Lansbury comes on for Guehi due to injury and adds some speed, though England cannot use this speed effectively. Kobbie Kane later replaces him, giving Southgate more options but needing more attacking players in his squad.
First period of extra time begins and Slovakia appear to have the better chances, however after 97 minutes Ivan Bellingham scores from a bicycle kick to make it 2-1 and send the match into penalty shootout. Extra-time ends and England are in dire straits but have a chance at an unlikely comeback with late goal.
3. Slovakia vs. England
England were disorganized and outwitted throughout their match against Slovakia, seemingly dooming their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals at Euro 2024. But in the last minute of play came Gareth Southgate’s goal that will live long in memory – saving their day! This goal will stand as testament to his tenure as manager and his players.
Jude Bellingham demonstrated his Real Madrid roots by scoring an exquisite overhead kick goal late in stoppage time to cancel out Ivan Schranz’s first-half opener for Slovakia and Harry Kane completed their comeback early on in extra time. England have come a long way since, giving hope and reason for optimism heading into their meeting against Switzerland next round.
Trippier, Guehi and Mainooo combine to clear a Kucka free-kick from harm. Kane almost scores from an identical position but his back-post effort hits the crossbar before missing.
Southgate makes changes, substituting Declan Rice for Jordan Henderson and Kobbie Mainooo for Conor Gallagher, both making an immediate difference to how his side responded under pressure; these substitutions made a distinct impact, yet most players managed to remain resilient, looking dangerous on the break and remaining dangerous themselves. Gyomber fouled Toney who appeared shaken but continued playing regardless.
4. Slovakia vs. England
Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions have had it tough in Euro 2024 so far, yet with one win they could reach the quarter-finals and advance through to round four. Slovakia have proven themselves capable competitors throughout, so this group-stage match has been anything but comfortable from the outset.
Marc Guehi received a yellow card for fouling Jordan Pickford, which could potentially put the England goalkeeper out for the remainder of the match. Pickford has not had his best game but will likely be relieved when referee waives off this early booking.
Soon thereafter, Kobbie Mainoo found himself through on the right and attempted to break into the box, only to be crowded out and see his shot go wide. Kieran Trippier was offside for his free kick but Phil Foden managed to remain onside as his effort went wide from close range.
As England seek to put away their opponents with only two minutes remaining, Jude Bellingham unleashes an astounding goal-scoring performance to seal victory and salvage this match for them.
A youngster leaps in the air, reaching for the ball with great effort, which eventually falls safely into its corner and saves England.
Celebrations may be modest, but joy will still abound as Slovakia remain alive but their chances of progress are limited. While England put in an embarrassing display at times during this 90-minute match in Gelsenkirchen, they managed to salvage themselves at the end of it with enough wins and draws that it earned us all respect – particularly after a thrilling and action-packed 90 minutes that led them back home with three precious points!
5. Slovakia vs. England
After an inconsistent first half that saw Slovakia take an early lead into halftime, things weren’t looking promising for England. But Jude Bellingham’s stunning overhead kick in stoppage time brought them back even. That moment proved why supporters believe this squad are one of the finest clutch players worldwide.
Slovakia extend their lead as Pekarik finds Strelec on the edge of the box, who then unleashes an unstoppable shot past Pickford. Southgate makes another series of changes, substituting Kobbie Mainoo and Eberechi Eze for Mattus Bero and Lazlo Benes respectively.
Arsenal defender Eze is nearly involved in an angry spat with Slovakia coaching staff after referee Alen Marusic penalises him for offside. Marusic did not issue a yellow card to Eze.
Declan Rice nearly broke the deadlock with an impressive drive from 25 yards, but just missed it by inches as it scraped past the crossbar. Southgate made his final substitution in this match by replacing Kucka with Matus Bero – Kucka was taken off and Matus Bero came on.
England are on the cusp of another disastrous Euro 2016 exit in Gelsenkirchen as they have failed to take a single shot on goal through 90 minutes. A victory would give Southgate’s uncertain side confidence; an unfavorable result will leave them struggling to justify all of the hype that has surrounded their presence in Germany – particularly against an underdog like Slovakia, ranked 23 places lower. They have impressed fans everywhere with their strong defence and clinical finishing ability in front of goal.