England's quest to end 58 years of hurt at Euro 2024 remains alive thanks to one moment of Jude Bellingham brilliance, but the Three Lions failed to look like future European champions in sneaking past Slovakia 2-1.
Another embarrassing exit for English football at a major tournament was looming in Gelsenkirchen until Bellingham's acrobatic effort in the 95th minute broke Slovak hearts.
A minute into extra-time, Harry Kane then completed the comeback to set up a meeting with Switzerland on Saturday in the quarter-finals.
However, any excitement among the England fan base at ending up on the perceived weaker side of the draw was drained away by another turgid performance from Gareth Southgate's men. England fans dominated all but a small section of the 50,000 capacity AufSchalke Arena and made their disillusionment heard as boos greeted the half-time whistle.
The England manager and his players were braced for an even more severe outpouring of rage until Bellingham produced a moment of brilliance that allowed him to answer his critics after two underwhelming performances against Denmark and Slovenia.
"Playing for England, it's a lot of pleasure but you also hear a lot of people talk a lot of rubbish. It's nice when you deliver you can give them a little bit back," said the Real Madrid star of his goal celebration.
"For me playing football, being on the pitch, scoring goals is my release and it's maybe a message to a few people."
Southgate was more understanding of the wave of criticism that is still set to come his side's way before they face the Swiss in Duesseldorf.
"We're putting a plaster over things and giving young players opportunities," said Southgate.
"We're somehow finding a way. I can imagine how everyone is going to react even though we've won but we are still in there. The one thing that cannot be questioned is the desire, the commitment, the character."
