England’s miraculous comeback win against Slovakia in the last-16 of the Euros was celebrated not only by the players but also by their Wags. After going 1-0 down, England completed a dramatic late turnaround with goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. The result secured their place in the quarter-finals against Switzerland.
The players sought comfort in the arms of their partners after the game. Harry Kane was joined by his wife and daughter in the stands, with the family all smiles. Kane also received a brotherly handshake from his sibling Charlie. Conor Gallagher planted a kiss on his girlfriend Aine May Kennedy, while Jarrod Bowen relaxed with Dani Dyer. Kyle Walker was greeted by his wife Annie Kilner and their newborn child. Jude Bellingham celebrated with his parents, who looked extremely proud of their son’s heroic efforts.
Not all players were able to celebrate as joyfully, however. Ollie Watkins sat glumly with his partner Ellie Alderson after being left on the bench. Despite this, Declan Rice emphasized the togetherness and commitment of the team, stating that they would do anything to protect their manager Gareth Southgate.
Southgate himself acknowledged the team’s slow start in the first half but praised their patience and resilience in the second half. He noted that they are a young team, still learning and finding ways to win. The commitment and desire of the players cannot be questioned.
The match itself was a rollercoaster, with England being utterly woeful for most of the game. Bellingham’s last-gasp overhead kick saved them from a humiliating exit. It was their first shot on target, highlighting their poor performance. However, they managed to secure victory in extra time with Kane’s header.
The individual performances of the players varied. Some struggled, such as Kyle Walker, whose touch and crossing were below par. John Stones made mistakes and fired aimless long balls. On the other hand, Kobbie Mainoo had a decent performance in an otherwise horrendous first half. Bellingham, the star of the match, underwhelmed until his crucial goal.
Southgate’s tactics were questioned, with the team relying heavily on long balls and lacking movement. The substitutions were delayed and risky, as he sought to see out the game in extra time. Overall, Southgate was considered lucky to come away with the win.
Despite the flaws in their performance, England’s victory showcased their togetherness and determination as a team. They will need to improve their play if they want to succeed against Switzerland in the quarter-finals.