England fans have rejoiced after an unbelievable win against Slovakia in the Euro 2024 knockout match tonight.
There is still hope that the Three Lions could ‘bring it home’ as they prepare for their next clash with Switzerland in the quarter final at 5pm on Saturday, July 6.
Despite the celebrations, supporters are still calling for Gareth Southgate’s ‘P45’ after his decision not to make any substitutions during the halftime break.
England was facing a sorrow loss until Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick in the 94th minute forced extra time.
After Slovakia scored in the first half, Piers Morgan took to X: ‘No subs??!!! For God’s sake, Gareth.. what are you waiting for? Your P45?’
Southgate finally made a substitution after the start of the second half, but like the broadcaster, fans have been calling for the sacking of Southgate after the Euros are over.
BBC presenter Phillip Norton posted: ‘Honestly feel, after no subs and the way we are playing, that Gareth Southgate has just been trolling the entire nation at this point.’
All day, there have been joyous scenes in Gelsenkirchen, a city of 260,000 people in western Germany, ahead of the match.
England fans – some wearing lion onesies – have been pictured having friendly chats with their Slovakian counterparts.
Restaurant manager Umit Yavuz, who sold 7,500 beers in just two days this month, previously told the Telegraph: ‘This is as busy as we’ve been for a long, long time.’
Back in the UK, pubs and fanzones are gearing up to welcome thousands of people to watch the knock-out match.
Among them is tennis pro Emma Raducanu, who was spotted arriving at a Wimbledon warm-up waring an England kit and carrying a £2,400 Dior bag, MailOnline reported.
In Newcastle, familiar tunes like ‘Vindaloo’ have been echoing through Times Square where fans have been gathering hours ahead of kick-off.
Accountancy and finance student Simon Kime, 21, said: ‘I think the game will finish 1-1 with Harry Kane scoring.
‘Then I’m going for a Cole Palmer winner in extra time. I want to see Mainoo come into the team for Gallagher but we don’t need to make too many changes.
‘We have to get behind Gareth Southgate for this tournament and we have to back the lads.
‘I think we can beat Switzerland in the next round but it will be tough after that.
‘If we win, I might have to go out afterwards but it depends what my pals want to do.’
England’s fortunes rest on this one game.
The Three Lions have have one just one of their three games in the tournament – their match against Serbia.
Despite disappointment in Gareth Southgate’s team, hope is not lost.
Should they beat Slovakia this evening, England will qualify for the quarter finals.
Fans are hoping they’ll be one step closer to the trophy when they go home tonight.
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