England went from being within seconds of crashing out of Euro 2024 to reaching the quarter-finals with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time win over Slovakia on Sunday.
Gareth Southgate invited yet more criticism with his team selection, making just one change to his starting XI with Kobbie Mainoo replacing Conor Gallagher in midfield, and being conservative with his substitutions.
Telegraph Sport analyses and rates each England player’s performance while, below, you can mark Southgate’s charges out of 10.Â
England (4-2-3-1)
Jordan Pickford
England’s goalkeeper suffered a problem in the warm-up, but managed to get through 120 minutes of normal time and extra time. 6/10
Kyle Walker
The first half might be one of the worst 45 minutes Walker has played for England. Caught out more than once and played Ivan Schranz onside for his goal. Improved after the break. 5/10
John Stones
Almost a hugely embarrassing moment for the defender in the second half when he let the ball run past him and David Strelec went inches from scoring from long range. 5/10
Marc Guehi
Really unfortunate to pick up an early yellow card, which meant he is suspended for the quarter-final. Made one superb block and produced the vital flick-on for Bellingham’s injury-time equaliser. 7/10
Kieran Trippier
It is no fault of his own, but it is getting really annoying having to watch Trippier play as a left-back for England. The trend of cutting inside continued and he ballooned one shot well over the bar. One good clearance. 5/10
Kobbie MainooÂ
England’s third-youngest player, aged 19 years and 72 days, to start a knockout-stage game at a major tournament. Booked in just the seventh minute, but regained his composure brilliantly. 7/10
Declan Rice
So unlucky to hit the post with a late shot from 20 yards. Rice never gave up and tried to drag England forward after they had fallen behind. 6/10
Bukayo Saka
Having said he was not the solution at left-back, Saka finished the game at… you guessed it, left-back. Moved there by Southgate when he replaced Trippier with Palmer. 6/10
Jude Bellingham
England needed a hero and up popped Bellingham with an injury-time overhead-kick equaliser. It looked all game like Bellingham would either save England or get sent off. Fortunately, it was the former. 8/10
Phil Foden
The Manchester City forward should never have strayed into an offside position for the goal that was ruled out shortly after the break. Trippier did not help him, but he had all the time in the world to make his run and went too soon. 5/10
Harry Kane
Had one header deflected wide and missed the target with a great headed chance late in normal time. But the England captain made no mistake with his header in extra time. 7/10
Subs
Cole Palmer 66 (for Tripper): Instantly gave England a spark. How has he been used so little in this tournament? 7/10
Eberechi Eze 84 (for Mainoo): He might have mishit his extra-time shot towards goal, but it led to Kane’s header. Important defensive work to force Peter Pekaric to miss. 7/10
Ivan Toney 94 (for Foden): Southgate finally threw on a second striker and it worked as it was from Toney’s header that Kane put England ahead. 7/10
Conor Gallagher 106 (for Kane): Sent on to try to help England see out extra-time. 6/10
Ezri Konsa 106 (for Bellingham): The Aston Villa man may well have to start the quarter-final with Guehi suspended. 6/10
Not used: Aaron Ramsdale (g), Dean Henderson (g), Luke Shaw, Trent Alexander-Arnold. Lewis Dunk, Anthony Gordon, Joe Gomez, Jarrod Bowen, Adam Wharton, Ollie Watkins.
Booked: Guehi, Mainoo, Bellingham.