Euro 2024 news: England player ratings from 2-1 win over Slovakia

England came from behind in dramatic fashion to secure a 2-1 Euro 2024 win over Slovakia in their last-16 clash at the Veltins Arena on Sunday evening.

Jude Bellingham’s last-gasp overhead kick got Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions out of jail to make it 1-1 and force extra time, where Harry Kane headed England into a 2-1 lead they managed to protect despite some nervy defending in the extra half hour.

England now face Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday, with fans and pundits calling for Southgate to make changes to his starting XI following yet another underwhelming display against the Slovakians.

Southgate has remained stubborn in his team selection so far and is unlikely to be moved from his position after England’s stirring fightback.

Here, Sports News Blitz’s Johnny Jones rates the performance of the players who got time on the pitch in Gelsenkirchen.

Jordan Pickford: 6 – Wasn't tasked with much throughout the evening, only facing three shots on target and making two saves, both of which were fairly routine. Not at all to blame for the opener with his back four all over the place and Ivan Schranz giving him no chance. Lucky not to be punished by David Strelec’s ambitious 50-yard effort early in the second half, which trickled agonisingly wide of the post.

Kyle Walker: 4 – Looked suspect defensively in the first half and found himself in an inexplicable position for the goal conceded, playing the entire Slovakian attack onside. Didn’t offer much going forward, failing to strike a connection with Bukayo Saka. Slightly redeemed himself with a dangerous throw-in that led to England’s equaliser.

John Stones: 5 – Indecisive for Slovakia’s goal and a few aimless long balls a reason England failed to create anything from open play.

Marc Guéhi: 6 – His weakest performance so far, being outjumped by Kucka for the opening goal. Made an impressive block from close range at 0-0. Crucially helped on Walker’s throw-in with a looping flick-on to get the assist for Jude Bellingham’s worldie. Will be missed in the quarter-final against Switzerland, receiving a suspension for his second booking of the tournament after a hospital pass from Kieran Trippier.

Kieran Trippier: 5 – Once again looked uncomfortable at left-back and struggled to create going forward, although he was unlucky to not get an assist for Foden, who strayed offside for a disallowed goal. England looked more threatening after he was substituted off injured.

Kobbie Mainoo: 7 – He impressed on his full major tournament debut, having some exciting moments driving the team forward on his own. Perhaps lacked the defensive protection Gareth Southgate was seeking from Declan Rice’s midfield partner, but he deserves to keep his place in the starting XI to face Switzerland.

Declan Rice: 7 – Another of England’s better performers, despite a lack of overwhelming presence in the first half, he marshalled the midfield well in the second and shielded the back four excellently in extra-time. He was unlucky to see his effort from the edge of the penalty area cannon off the post. Responded well to critics with his best performance of the tournament thus far after disappointing in the final two group games.

Bukayo Saka: 7 – Mostly ineffective, although poorly serviced by Kyle Walker, when at right-wing. When moved to left-back, he, as a natural left-footer, provided much-needed width and balance that England have lacked since their tournament began, arguably outperforming the injured Trippier. He held his own defensively as England held on to their lead, not only at left-back, but also during his few moments at right-wing back. He may benefit from a possible introduction of the more attack-minded Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back.

Jude Bellingham: 8 – His overall performance was nothing overly eye-catching but still an improvement from the games against Denmark and Slovenia. Ultimately, he produced a moment of immense quality that saved England and Southgate. Despite a couple of disappointing performances in the group stage, he is undoubtedly capable of moments of brilliance that his team will need if they are to continue to perform so poorly.

Phil Foden: 5 – Another underwhelming performance from the Premier League’s Player of the Season, as he still seems somewhat restricted playing on the left-wing. Despite one pin-point cross to Harry Kane from a free-kick, his delivery was poor, completing only 2/11 crosses. He also failed to hold his run for what would have been his first goal of the tournament.

Harry Kane: 6 – The captain was silent throughout most of the game, apart from a few missed chances. Luckily, he found himself in the right position to head home a near unmissable opportunity. Overall, he did not cause the Slovakian defence much trouble - but got the goal when it mattered most.

Cole Palmer: 7 – With another exciting cameo off the bench from the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season, he has surely given Southgate a headache over who should be England’s starting right-winger against Switzerland in Saturday’s quarter-final with the Swiss. He made a number of dangerous passes to open up the Slovakian defence, something which none of his team-mates could manage before his introduction.

Eberechi Eze: 7 – Looked threatening every time he was given the ball and caused Slovakia problems with his delicate play. Although not so delicate was his sliced attempt of a shot in extra time, which fortunately fell to Ivan Toney, who flicked onto Kane for the winning goal. He put in a respectable shift when unexpectedly put at left-wing back, at one point making a vital intervention at the back post.

Ivan Toney: 8 – Given his first minutes of the tournament, he was a game-changing substitute for England. His great physical presence caused havoc for Vavro and Skriniar, winning 8/10 duels and three free-kicks. He crucially got the assist for England’s second goal, nodding on the ball to Kane to win the tie. His cameo must mean he has usurped Ollie Watkins in the strikers’ pecking order.

Ezri Konsa: 6 – Defended well at left-back in the few minutes he was on the pitch, where he will be filling in for Kieran Trippier against Switzerland, should he and Luke Shaw be unavailable.

Conor Gallagher: 6 – Brought more defensive stability with his relentless pressing, although he did give away a free-kick late on in the second half of extra-time. Mainoo’s impressive performance probably means the Chelsea man has fallen behind in the midfield pecking order.

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