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    BBC and ITV pundits are much closer than you’d think as unusual details of their Euro 2024 ‘connection’ is revealed

    THEY may work for rival broadcasters, but the BBC and ITV’s pundits are much closer than you think.The British TV powerhouses have brought out the big guns for their respective coverage of Euro 2024 in Germany.The BBC have an all-star punditry team for Euro 2024ITV also have several big guns for their coverage of the tournamentRio Ferdinand has revealed all the pundits are closer than you thinkCredit: BBCSpearheading the Beeb’s coverage of Euro 2024 is Gary Lineker, who has been calling on the expertise of the likes of Alan Shearer, Rio Ferdinand, Micah Richards and Jermaine Jenas.Leading the charge for ITV is Mark Pougatch, who has been breaking down the games along with Arsenal and Manchester United legends Ian Wright, Roy Keane and Gary Neville.One would think there would be a bit of tribalism between the teams, after all the majority of Beeb and ITV’s Euros teams are made up of former players.But according to Ferdinand, couldn’t be any further from the case.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The former Manchester United and England defender told GQ: “We’re all in it together.”I’m in the same dressing room as Alan Shearer, Ian Wright and Gary Neville, then in the same room as Micah and Jermaine.”So I have a real connection with them – even the younger kids in the England team.”Ferdinand hasn’t sat on the fence with his opinions of Gareth Southgate’s troops, dishing out his fair share of criticism as well as praise.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSMeet England’s Euro 2024 WagsEngland Wags range from childhood sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.Katie Goodland (Harry Kane’s wife)The fitness instructor has been married to the England captain since 2019 and joined him in Germany with their four children after he joined Bayern Munich.Laura Celia Valk (Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend)The stunning Dutch model, 25, has more than half a million Instagram followers and is said to be absolutely smitten with the Real Madrid star.Rebecca Cooke (Phil Foden’s girlfriend)Foden’s childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two kids tends to keep out of the spotlight, but is a regular at England games.Dani Dyer (Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend)England’s most famous Wag, former Love Island winner and daughter of Eastenders’ Danny Dyer.Iris Law (Trent Alexander-Arnold’s girlfriend)Dani Dyer isn’t the only actor’s daughter dating an England star. Iris’ dad is Hollywood legend Jude Law.Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford’s wife)Megan has been with Pickford since he was 14 years old. The couple married in 2022 and have one son.Olivia Naylor (John Stones’ girlfriend)The 33-year-old former beautician has stepped back from her role after giving birth to a baby son.Read more about the Wags supporting England at Euro 2024 hereAnd his frankness has come from regularly speaking to the Three Lions stars.He continued: “I speak to a lot of the players.England fans at 2024 celebrate German misery wildly with brilliant song after hosts are dramatically dumped out”That’s why I have to be honest and open. When I see these guys,”I don’t have to hide behind anything because I know when I’m talking about them, I’m talking with honesty.”Ferdinand has transitioned seamlessly to punditry since hanging up his boots in 2015 following QPR’s relegation to the Championship.And he credits his success on camera to the influence of Liverpool legend and former Match of the Day presenter Alan Hansen had on him.He said: “Alan Hansen was a mainstay on Match of the Day. I was very fortunate to go on my first-ever job at the World Cup in Brazil.”He was there, and I have some wonderful memories with him.”I just watched him to see what he was like – as soon as the cameras came on, he wasn’t much different to what you saw when he was having a beer with the lads.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was very calm and cool, never really flustered about anything, and took it all in his stride.”Those little details were really good for me [at the start of my career], understanding what it was like to be in front of a camera in big-pressure situations.BBC and ITV’s Euro 2024 line up in fullHere’s how each channel will line-up:BBC presenters:Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark ChapmanITV presenters:Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods BBC pundits:Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFaddenITV pundits:Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina UnkelBBC commentators:Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan PearceITV commentators:Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe SpeightBBC co-commentators:Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFaddenITV co-commentators:Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend More

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    Jermaine Jenas says ‘that’s a LIE’ after Rio Ferdinand comment as pair have awkward exchange live on BBC

    JERMAINE JENAS accused Rio Ferdinand of lying as the two had an awkward disagreement during France’s win over Portugal.The spat was sparked after Ferdinand poured praise on William Saliba’s defending at half-time.Rio Ferdinand and Jermaine Jenas had a spat over William SalibaThe Arsenal defender impressed against PortugalFerdinand lauded the Arsenal star for his performances in what is his first major international football tournament, and highlighted some key moments where he impressed.But Jenas disagreed and argued Saliba was merely carrying out simple tasks expected of a defender.Ferdinand did not back down and had support from colleague Jose Fonte, who pointed out Jenas was talking from a midfielder’s perspective.That prompted Ferdinand to say: “Yeah, this is a midfielder talking who was always shouting, ‘Where are you? Can you get up? Can you help me?”READ MORE ON EURO 2024Jenas hit back, saying: “That’s a lie. That is a lie. There’s only one person who defenders call on when they’re in trouble, and it’s a midfielder.”The BBC pundit accepted Saliba had been “class”, but pointed out Portugal failed to test him.Roberto Martinez’s side produced just five shots on target as they crashed out of the Euros on penalties.Former Chelsea loanee Joao Felix missed the vital spot-kick in the shoot-out as France converted each of their five penalties to go through.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWho is Euro 2024’s sexiest star?EURO 2024 has something for everyone from stunning goals, thrilling matches… and the continent’s biggest hunks, writes Jack Figg.Several stars have lit up the group stages with their skills on the pitch – but others are also catching the eye for their looks.But who is the sexiest?Thankfully AI boffins have carried out an analysis on the facial attractiveness of all players at the tournament.And it’s bad news for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions who are the fourth UGLIEST in the competition – one place below Scotland.In fact it’s England’s group rivals Serbia who have fans swooning the most – boasting an average score of 77.90/100 with defender Strahinja Pavlovic deemed their most attractive.While Turkey defender Mert Muldur has been ranked as the tournament’s BEST-LOOKING player.But who is England’s sexiest star, and who makes the Euros’ hunkiest XI? Read our full story.They will play Spain in the semi-final where they will likely need to improve to progress after failing to score a goal of their own from open play in the tournament so far.Two own goals and a Kylian Mbappe penalty have been enough for them to reach the last four, prompting criticism from Ferdinand.BBC brutally troll Cristiano Ronaldo live on TV with pun about penalty miss during Portugal’s win over Slovenia More

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    Gary Lineker reveals German man mistook him and Alan Shearer for a COUPLE before Newcastle legend’s hilarious response

    GARY LINEKER revealed a German man mistook him and Alan Shearer for a couple at the Euros.The pair are in Germany working for the BBC covering the tournament.Gary Lineker revealed a German man thought he and Alan Shearer were a coupleCredit: BBCShearer was shocked by the revelationCredit: BBCThey have appeared live on air as well as on The Rest is Football podcast.And ahead of recording a recent episode the pair enjoyed a dinner at a local restaurant, and afterwards bumped into someone who thought they were a couple.Lineker, 63, explained on The Rest is Football podcast: “Something’s just happened to us on the way here, to this apartment studio tonight.”We had a little bit of Italian, which was lovely – a little bit of food after we did the early game – and came here to watch the Austria-Turkey game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”And we walked past the little shop on the way and there’s the kind of musical theatre place on the way. And there was a guy on the way – a little crowd of people – and the guy starts shouting to me and Alan in German.”And I’m saying, ‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I don’t speak German – do you speak English?’ and he said, ‘Ah yeah, I speak English’.”He said, ‘I want to know how long have you two been together? You are a really lovely couple’.”Shearer, 53, shared his shock at being confused for Lineker’s partner given his colleague is ten years his senior.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEngland’s five-point penalty shootout planEXPERT football psychologist Professor Geir Jordet has told Gareth Southgate and his players what they can do to give themselves the best chance of victory in any shootouts.And he has even thrown in a rogue, bold suggestion for the Three Lions manager…1. START PLANNING LAST YEAR “It’s about planning for the opposition’s penalty takers but also ‘how do we win the psychological game against each opponent?’2. SMART SOUTHGATE LEADERSHIP”Southgate will have two minutes to influence his players as effectively as possible, show he has a plan and get confidence across.”3. DICTATE AS A TEAM”A shootout is really a team performance. Have the goalkeeper walk with the penalty taker into the penalty area to basically create a two-versus-one against the other goalkeeper. Dominate the centre circle, support the players who missed.”4. ‘BULLETPROOF’ INDIVIDUAL ROUTINES “Have really good, individualised and rehearsed pre-shot routines that are bulletproof and polished so they’re more likely to be able to resist the stress and more likely to score.”5. SHOOT YOUR SHOT  “Practise the shot itself, trying to simulate penalty shootouts in training. Even recreating 20 per cent of a Euros final penalty shootout is going to have a benefit for your performance.”AND A JOR DROPPING IDEA…Jordan Pickford is the No1 but Dean Henderson actually has a far better penalty record – saving 8/22 (36 per cent) compared to Pickford’s 8/62 (13 per cent).Jordet said: “One could consider making a late substitution for a penalty shootout. I doubt that they dare to do it in case it fails and the pressure is even higher but it would be a very ballsy move.”He replied saying: “I thought he was concerned that some f***ing old man was about to abduct me or something like that.”Honestly, I’ve never been so insulted in all my life. I’m sorry but yeah.”Gary Lineker aims brutal dig at Frank Lampard live on BBC’s Euro 2024 coverageMicah Richards, also appearing on the podcast, reacted by saying the duo would “make a lovely couple”.He also described Shearer’s reaction as “harsh” and questioned whether they held hands. More

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    BBC accidentally show Holland star stripping off live on TV in awkward blunder during Euro 2024 coverage

    THE BBC were left red-faced after accidentally showing a Holland star stripping off on live TV.The awkward moment came before Ronald Koeman’s side booked their place in the Euro quarter-finals with a 3-0 win over Romania.A Holland player was caught on camera stripping off in a BBC blunderThe moment occurred before Holland beat Romania 3-0Credit: GettyLiverpool star Cody Gakpo opened the scoring before two late strikes from Borussia Dortmund’s Donyell Malen sealed victory in the last 16 tie.The Dutch now face Turkey for a place in the semis next week — potentially against Gareth Southgate’s England.But the BBC put their foot in it before kick-off against Romania when they went to a live feed of Holland’s dressing room.As fans were given a behind-the-scenes glimpse for several seconds, the camera panned across the floor.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd for a brief moment, a Dutch star at the back of the room could be seen lowering his underwear to leave his bare backside on screen.The camera quickly cut away as the incident was brushed over.It was also unclear who the player in question was.But fans watching at home were quick to pick up on the unfortunate error.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSComedian David Baddiel, creator of the iconic England fan song ‘Three Lions’, started things off, saying: “Not sure the BBC should be filming in the Holland changing area.“Unless they specifically want background Dutch buttocks?”The Sun’s Tom Barclay gives England squad update from training ahead of quarter final clash with SwitzerlandComedian David Baddiel led the reaction to the incidentCredit: The Mega AgencyAnother fan declared: “Could you see their Netherlands?”One added: “‘The Dutch Buttocks’ – what a band name that is.”Holland have endured a mixed Euros so far, with their win against Romania just their second of the tournament.Koeman’s side started the group stage with a 2-1 victory over Poland.But they were held to a 0-0 draw by France.And Holland then suffered a shock 3-2 defeat to Austria, leaving them as one of the best third-place finishers.However, top-spot Austria crashed out of the Euros with a 2-1 defeat to Turkey yesterday.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile second-place France left it late as they struggled to get past Belgium.And with the Dutch progressing past Romania with ease, they were the ones having the last laugh. More

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    Watch moment Micah Richards is left looking sheepish after breaking broadcasting golden rule live on BBC at Euro 2024

    MICAH RICHARDS was left looking sheepish on Monday night after breaking a broadcasting golden rule.The former defender appeared live on BBC One’s coverage of Portugal’s penalty shootout victory over Slovenia at Euro 2024.Micah Richards was left looking sheepish after breaking a broadcasting golden ruleCredit: BBC SportRichards analysed Portugal’s first half performance during half-time before discussing his connection to manager Roberto Martinez.He explained: “I worked with Roberto. He’s so on it with his tactics, details of it, he knows exactly what to do.”At the end of the segment, presenter Gary Lineker asked: “Where did you work with him?”Wary of mentioning a rival broadcaster, Richards paused before sheepishly replying: “On another broadcaster.”READ MORE ON EURO 2024Lineker tried to reassure him, though, adding: “I thought you meant as a coach.”I’m going through all the clubs. It’s ok to mention other broadcasters, Micah. Relax, relax.”Richards was able to see the funny side, however, joining fellow pundits Alan Shearer and Jose Fonte by laughing off his error.The former Manchester City right-back has been a fan favourite pundit since retiring in 2019 aged 31.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAs well as being part of the BBC team for Euro 2024, Richards is also a regular on Sky Sports and CBS Sports in the USA.Martinez, meanwhile, is taking charge of Portugal at a major tournament for the first time.Watch Micah Richards belt out Bob Marley song with Danny Murphy and Alan Shearer as fans hail ‘nation’s treasure’He previously guided Belgium to three consecutive finals between 2016 and 2022, before leaving after the World Cup in Qatar.Since taking over as Portugal boss in January last year, Martinez has lost just three of 18 matches in charge.The former Everton manager’s contract runs until the end of the 2026 World Cup.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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    Gary Lineker shocks BBC pundit with ‘very unusual’ question live on TV before Portugal’s Euro 2024 clash vs Slovenia

    GARY LINEKER stunned a pundit with a “very unusual question” about Cristiano Ronaldo live on TV.But the response was almost as unusual – as it wrong-footed Lineker and had the BBC studio experts all bursting into laughter.Cristiano Ronaldo, pictured trying to break through for Portugal against Slovenia, was the subject of a curious exchange on the BBCCredit: GettyGary Lineker’s question might not have been phrased as he meantThe England legend was keen to get inside information on how Ronaldo ticks ahead of Portugal’s Euro 2024 clash with Slovenia.Ron, 39, went into the last-16-tie on his worst-ever run of seven games during international tournaments without a goal.And Lineker believed he had just the man to quiz over the Al-Nassr striker’s incredible physical and mental abilities.Ex-Portugal defender Jose Fonte, who won Euro 2016 with Ronaldo, was on the BBC panel alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Lineker first saluted ex-Manchester United hero Ron as the “best No9 ever” for movement in and around the box.He then asked 40-year-old Fonte: “Jose, obviously you know him well, what’s it like up close and personal with Ronaldo?”Fonte, such an unruffled character on the pitch, replied instantly: “Well that’s a very unusual question!”Cue hysterics from Shearer, Richards and Co.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYBruno Alves, Pepe, Fonte and Ron helped Portugal win Euro 2016Credit: Getty – ContributorBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLineker even appeared something close to embarrassed – at least compared to his high standards of unflappability.But he quickly managed to clarify his query.Watch horror moment Cristiano Ronaldo avoids being two-footed by fan by inches after Portugal’s shock Euro 2024 defeat He said: “I didn’t mean it to sound so personal!  I meant it as a person.”Doesn’t he bring his own team with him?”Normality was restored as Fonte revealed the lengths Ronaldo goes to so that he can ensure peak conditioningThe ex-Crystal Palace, Southampton and West Ham ace, who still plays for Braga, said: “Yes he does. That’s why he’s one of the best ever. “He’s so methodical on his approach to his body. So he’s always in the best condition to play a football match.”Apart from that, he’s a very relaxed guy who likes to joke, likes to train hard and likes to score goals.”However, Ron might not be TOO relaxed while his Portugal drought continues.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnderdogs Slovenia certainly made it hard for him with brilliant defending as they took Monday’s contest to extra time after a goalless draw.But he was redeemed after missing a penalty in extra time before scoring in the shoot-out as Portugal sneaked through. More

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    England fans hint at possible good omen Three Lions will reach Euro 2024 semi-final after dramatic Slovakia comeback

    ENGLAND fans were delighted after finding out England’s quarter-final clash with Switzerland will be broadcast on the BBC.And that means the Three Lions will avoid the dreaded “ITV curse” that has historically plagued them.England fans hint at possible good omenCredit: RexThat England’s quarter-final face off with Switzerland will be broadcast on the BBCCredit: AFPThe Three Lions face the Swiss on Saturday looking to book their place in the last four after a less-than-convincing campaign.England’s latest calamity came in their 2-1 victory over Slovakia.Gareth Southgate’s side conceded inside 25 minutes and needed a 95th-minute bicycle kick from Jude Bellingham to push the game into extra-time.Harry Kane’s header within a minute of the additional 30 ensured England would not go home yet – with the game broadcast on ITV.read more football newsMany fans believe the channel is “cursed” when it comes to England because the Three Lions have struggled in matches shown by them.England have played on ITV 32 times in major tournaments since 1998, winning just eight.They have drawn 14 and lost 10 on the channel, including the 2022 World Cup quarter-final against France.The BBC on the other hand boast a far better record, and showed England’s 3-0 win over Wales and 6-2 victory over Iran in the Qatar World Cup.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe BBC also aired England’s first two Euros games, including the 1-0 win over Serbia and has broadcast 20 wins out of 29.Though perhaps more crucially for England, they will avoid Germany, France, Portugal and Spain until the semi-final stage.Taking to X, one fan wrote: “BBC has first pick of the quarter finals. Phew.”Another said: “Good news, the BBC have the first pick of the Euro 2024 quarter finals. We should win.”A third wrote: “Just been announced BBC will show the England game Saturday afternoon, so glad not to endure ITV.”The best of England vs SlovakiaCHECK out all the best action from England’s rollercoaster Euro 2024 last-16 win over Slovakia.The Rest is Entertainment podcast shed some light on how the BBC and ITV share coverage of the tournament.Co-host Marina Hyde explained: “ITV and the BBC share out games at the Euros and, in fact, all tournaments.”They take it in turns to pick matches but last time around it was ITV’s turn to pick first.”You can choose anything right from the start, it’s like a draft. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But ITV thought, ‘OK, we’ll do semi-final pick one because we think England will do well in this tournament’.”So, the BBC then counter with their next pick – and this is what happened in the room, we’re giving you the inside track here – they countered with quarter-final pick one.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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    Gary Lineker reveals Alan Shearer had to walk out of the room during England vs Slovakia as pundits slam ‘lost souls’

    GARY LINEKER has revealed that Alan Shearer had to leave the room while watching “lost souls” England against Slovakia.Jude Bellingham’s brilliant overhead kick rescued the Three Lions at the death before Harry Kane’s header sealed a 2-1 win in the Euro 2024 last 16 clash on Sunday.Harry Kane’s header sealed England’s comeback against SlovakiaCredit: AFPJude Bellingham had rescued the Three Lions from a humiliating defeatCredit: GettyAlan Shearer walked out of the room as England looked set to be beaten, Gary Lineker saidCredit: PAGareth Southgate’s tactics have been heavily criticisedCredit: GettyJust days ago, BBC footie pundit Lineker called the team’s 1-1 draw against Denmark “s***” in his The Rest is Football podcast.Shearer had also torn into the side after the drab performance and insisted there can be “no excuses” for the ”no energy, no pace” that was displayed.That led to England captain Kane firing back at the pair before the dire 0-0 draw with Slovenia to finish off the group stage.However, despite advancing to set-up a quarter final clash with Switzerland on Saturday, things failed to improve much in terms of entertainment or attacking threat yesterday.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Bellingham’s equaliser in the fifth minute of stoppage time was the first shot on target with Kane’s effort being the only other effort.And England legend Lineker introduced the latest edition The Rest Is Football by revealing how Shearer’s frustration got the best of him as the Three Lions looked set to make a humiliating exit.Lineker, 63, said: “Not at one point did I think England wouldn’t win that game. Late, late drama, of course. And England, I think it’s fair to say, scraped through against Slovakia in the round of 16.“I don’t think any of us really expected what we saw, to be perfectly honest. God, it was so stressful watching it, wasn’t it?Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“There was one point where Alan was so exasperated that he got up out of his chair and said, I need to walk, I need to walk. And he walked out into the back room there. And we suddenly heard from wherever he was: “Ahhhhhhhhh! Ah! Ah!” “I’m not exaggerating. He has a very loud voice, much louder than mine. It’s true, isn’t it?”Watch fuming England fans storm out of Slovakia game early and launch X-rated rant at Southgate BEFORE epic comebackShearer explained: “I was just, it was just desperation. I mean, it was, it was desperate. They were so bad, it was untrue.“I mean, I was thinking Iceland 2016, was it? Yeah. 2016 all over again, with much better players.“It was that bad. England were offering nothing, nothing at all. And I just couldn’t see where it was going to come from. And then, a piece of brilliance.”Lineker then stated that England’s players looked like “lost souls” playing Southgate’s “alien tactics”.Shearer firstly said: “It’s not a good watch. They’re miles off it. They’re miles off it. They’re nowhere near what we’d hoped and expected from England.”England ratings: Bellingham rescues woeful Three Lions as big names, and manager, have a shockerJUDE BELLINGHAM’S majestic overhead kick deep into stoppage time saved England from a humiliating Euros exit.Gareth Southgate’s side had been utterly woeful and looked to be heading home thanks to Ivan Schranz’s clever finish.But Bellingham came to the rescue in the 96th minute, brilliantly firing into the corner after Marc Guehi had flicked on Kyle Walker’s long throw.Remarkably, it was England’s first shot on target, summing how poor they had been.But another one came soon after, as 53 seconds into extra-time, Harry Kane headed home from close range to set up a quarter-final with Switzerland.It was as close a shave as it comes, and if they play like this against the Swiss, then they will be toast.Here’s how Tom Barclay rated England’s stars… and manager Southgate.Jordan Pickford: 5Appeared to hurt his left hand when taking a big whack in the warm-up, but still played. Fired a lot of long balls and was lucky not to be lobbed by David Strelec’s 45-yard strike.Kyle Walker: 4England’s second-most experienced player had a shocker. He looked uncharacteristically slow, his touch was heavy and his crossing was nowhere near good enough. But it was his long throw that led to Bellingham’s magic.John Stones: 4Said it was time for the senior pros to step up in the build-up to the game, but there was little sign of that until Bellingham did his thing, and he is only 21. Stones fired aimless long balls, gave it away and it was his mistake that almost led to Strelec’s trying his luck from range.Marc Guehi: 5Booked early after Kieran Trippier’s underhit pass meant he had to take out the excellent David Strelec, meaning he is out of the quarter-final. Ivan Schranz bamboozled him for Slovakia’s opener but his flick-on to Bellingham brought the leveller.Kieran Trippier: 4When Jude Bellingham’s good ball found Trippier on the edge of the box early doors, on his favoured right foot, you thought, ‘Here we go’. He smashed it into Row Z.Declan Rice: 5An old-school reducer on Juraj Kucka was a fair tackle, even if it left the 37-year-old hobbling. His curling effort with ten minutes to go cracked against the post.Kobbie Mainoo: 6FIRST start at a major tournament and our only decent performer in an horrendous first half from England. Blasted a volley over but was also booked for a late tackle.Bukayo Saka: 5We all know what a fantastic player Saka is for Arsenal, and for England in games gone by, but he rarely threatened here. Did go the distance though, and in a number of positions.Jude Bellingham: 7 and STAR MANCometh the hour, cometh the man. He had underwhelmed again until the 96th minute, but who cares when you step up like that.Phil Foden: 4Thought he had levelled early in the second half but his tap-in was ruled out by VAR after he was caught being, inexplicably, offside. Just off it all night, in danger of being dropped.Harry Kane: 6Still way off his best – he was nowhere to be seen in the first half and missed a free header after the break – but got it right when it counted in extra time.SUBSTITUTIONSCole Palmer (on for Kieran Trippier, 66): 7FANS were on their feet applauding when Southgate finally made a change and brought him on. So lively and with a lovely delivery, must be in with a chance of starting against the Swiss.Eberechi Eze (on for Kobbie Mainoo, 84): 6Did enough to put off Slovak full-back Peter Pekarik from turning home at close range in extra-time. Looked like he had been hit by a train when Denis Vavro walloped into him.Ivan Toney (on for Phil Foden, 90): 7GRABBED the assist for Kane’s winner by flicking on after a free-kick – which he had won with his strength – had been cleared.Conor Gallagher (on for Harry Kane, 105): 6Southgate rolled the dice in extra-time by trying to shut the game out, taking his captain off for the Chelsea midfielder.Ezri Konsa (on for Jude Bellingham, 105): 6Ditto to Gallagher as Konsa got his first minutes of the tournament in place of the hero Bellingham, which felt a risky strategy.MANAGERGareth Southgate: 3.A lucky, lucky man. Tactically, his team were all long ball, lacked any movement, and did not conjure up a shot on target until Bellingham’s wonder strike – and that came from Walker chucking it in the mixer. Subs took ages in the 90 and then felt risky as he sought to see the game out in extra-time.Lineker agreed, saying: “You can’t pretend that the team are playing well.”Shearer then said: “We’re all waiting for us to improve, to get better, and the hope and the spark we’ve been seeing about it just takes one little thing to get us going.”Lineker replied: “Just look at the quality of the players that England actually have at their disposal. But you’ve got to get something out of them. I look at them at the moment and I see a team that’s like lost souls.“I don’t think they really know what they’re supposed to be doing, what their jobs are, how the team is supposed to be playing.“Now, I’m sure they have been told, but it’s whether they’re brought into it.“They’re playing in a kind of format and the style that is alien to most of them because most of them play a high press, dynamic, really sharp, electric, short passing football. I’ve not seen any of that. So I actually feel for the players a little bit.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They look like they’re trying their nuts off. You can see that. They’re running, they’re chasing and harrying and doing all the things.“There’s absolutely, definitely no lack of effort in there or commitment about that. But they look a little bit lost.” More