England's dramatic Euro 2024 last-16 victory over Slovakia has revealed a fascinating insight into Gareth Southgate's managerial decisions, according to Metro. The Three Lions' boss has admitted that he considered substituting Jude Bellingham before the midfielder's stunning injury-time equalizer rescued England from a humiliating exit.
With Slovakia leading 1-0 and England struggling to create chances, Southgate was prepared to replace Bellingham with a fresh leg. However, he ultimately decided to keep the 21-year-old on the field, and that decision proved to be a masterstroke.
Bellingham's overhead kick in the dying minutes of the game forced extra time, where Harry Kane scored the winner to send England into the quarterfinals. Southgate's admission highlights the fine margins between victory and defeat in tournament football.
"We were thinking, 'Should we take him off?'" Southgate revealed in a post-match interview. "But you know he's capable of those sorts of moments. With 15 minutes to go, you wonder if he's out on his feet."
Southgate's trust in Bellingham's ability paid off, and the midfielder repaid his manager's faith with a moment of brilliance. The England boss praised Bellingham's contribution, saying, "He's capable of those sorts of moments. He's a fantastic player, and we're lucky to have him."
England's win over Slovakia was a testament to the team's resilience and determination. Despite a lackluster performance, the Three Lions found a way to win, and Southgate's leadership played a crucial role in the victory.
The admission also highlights Southgate's willingness to take risks and trust his players, even in high-pressure situations. As England prepares to face Switzerland in the quarterfinals, Southgate's tactical decisions will be under scrutiny once again. However, his faith in players like Bellingham and Kane has already paid dividends in this tournament.