Pictures of England fans at the round of 16 drama against Slovakia

In the end, it was just about OK. Thanks to an overhead kick by Jude Bellingham in the 95th minute, England somehow managed to get into extra time against Slovakia, where Harry Kane scored after less than a minute to give the Three Lions a 2-1 lead. That was how it stayed in the European Championship round of 16, meaning England are Switzerland’s next opponents (Saturday, 6 p.m.).

It was a nerve-wracking 120 minutes for coach Gareth Southgate and the players – but especially for the fans, as these pictures show.

Before the game

Before kick-off, the mood among the English fans in Gelsenkirchen is excellent, both in the stadium and in the city – everyone is of course expecting a victory against Slovakia, who are clearly inferior on paper.

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Slovakia takes the lead

After a weak start by the English, Slovakia actually took the lead in the 25th minute with their third good counterattack opportunity. It was a big shock for the Three Lions’ supporters.

Brief glimmer of hope

Then, after 50 minutes, there was celebration. Phil Foden had just equalized, and the English fans in the stadium and at home were relieved – at this point they did not yet know that the goalscorer was offside.

The hit does not count

After checking the camera images, the supposed equaliser was disallowed. The news made the English players even more upset.

Anger at your own team

Attacking would be too strong a word for what Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Harry Kane and co. are trying to do on the field. You can see it in the faces of their fans.

The end in sight

And the longer it goes on, the more the frustration gives way to sheer despair. Tears are not uncommon either.

Then the redemption

It is the 95th minute when Jude Bellingham redeems an entire country and makes it tremble.

Kane completes the double blow

Not even a minute has been played in extra time when Harry Kane puts England ahead for the first time in the game. There is no stopping them now.

Done!

The only goal in extra time is the only goal. After 121 minutes, referee Umut Meler blows the final whistle – England is in the quarter-finals of the European Championship and will face Switzerland. The joy and relief are immense.