EPL Players at EURO 2024 – Day 17
We are now halfway through the round of 16 and what a ride this has been so far. England needed extra time to overcome Slovakia, while Spain eliminated a stubborn Georgia side.. As part of our EPLNews EURO 2024 report, here is how Premier League players performed in these games.
England 2-1 Slovakia (a.e.t.)
Slovakia were just seconds away from a historic win and qualification to the quarter-finals after denying England any shot on target until an equaliser in the fifth minute of added time.
It was an abject showing from England, especially in the first half, as Slovakia scored through Ivan Schranz in the 25th minute. The Three Lions were seeing most of the ball, but could not muster any proper chances against an organised Slovakian defence.
The second half saw England miss a couple of big chances, with Harry Kane sending a free header wide and Declan Rice hitting the post with a decent shot.
It was still not good enough for a side who were pre-tournament favourites, but have been performing poorly. However, with virtually the last kick of the game, England were saved from an ignominious exit by an acrobatic finish from Jude Bellingham.
Just 52 seconds into extra time, Harry Kane found a finish that saw England qualify for the next round, after they had to weather a Slovak storm for the rest of the game.
Ratings
England: Jordan Pickford (Everton) – 6.5; Kyle Walker (Manchester City) – 7; John Stones (Manchester City) – 7.5; Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace) – 7; Kieran Trippier (Newcastle) – 7; Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United) – 7; Declan Rice (Arsenal) – 7; Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) – 7; Phil Foden (Manchester City) – 6.5; Cole Palmer (Chelsea) – 6; Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace) – 6; Ivan Toney (Brentford) – 7; Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa) – 5; Conor Gallagher (Chelsea) – 5
Slovakia: Martin Dúbravka (Newcastle) – 5.5
You can find highlights and reactions from this game by clicking here.
Spain 4-1 Georgia
Despite a shock first half lead for Georgia, it was a game completely dominated by Spain, who racked up no fewer than 13 shots on goal.
The underdogs opened the scoring thanks to a Robin Le Normand own goal in the 18th minute, during Georgia’s first proper foray into the Spanish half. However it did not last long, as Rodri scored a great goal to equalise shortly before half time.
The second half brought about more Spain dominance, and in the 51st minute Fabian Ruiz scored the goal that put them in front. There was more mesmerising football from the favourites, as Nico Williams probably added to his future transfer fee by scoring a good goal with 15 minutes to go, and Dani Olmo put the finishing touch on the scoreline.
There were only two Premier League players involved, with Marc Cucurella and Rodri both in the starting lineup for Spain. They both performed well, with the City man scoring a goal and Chelsea’s left-back patrolling his flank admirably.
Ratings
Spain: Marc Cucurella (Chelsea) – 8; Rodri (Manchester City) – 8.5
Georgia: N/A
Click here for highlights, reactions and details from this game.