Slovakia nearly score from the halfway line as basic John Stones error almost costs England their Euro 2024 spot... before Three Lions rally late on
- John Stones' lapse in concentration almost led to Slovakia scoring a second goal
- The Three Lions were put under huge pressure during the Euro 2024 encounter
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England's wretched Euro 2024 last-16 performance against Slovakia was almost made even more embarrassing when a mistake nearly saw them concede from the halfway line.
The Three Lions found themselves behind in the knockout clash after Ivan Schranz gave Slovakia a surprise lead in the 25th minute against the run of play.
A tortured European Championship campaign had seen England's pre-tournament status as favourites given a stark awakening, and things only got worse against Slovakia.
Lapses in concentration and indifferent quality to that shown at club level saw England produce one of their worst performances during Southgate's eight-year reign on Sunday.
The disastrous showing was almost made even worse when a basic error from a free-kick gave Slovakia a golden shooting opportunity.
![England's wretched Euro 2024 last-16 performance against Slovakia was almost made even more embarrassing when a mistake nearly saw them concede](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/30/19/86757875-0-image-a-40_1719770979901.jpg)
England's wretched Euro 2024 last-16 performance against Slovakia was almost made even more embarrassing when a mistake nearly saw them concede
![Stones (right) was caught unawares when a short pass from a free-kick was made into him](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/30/19/86757943-13585625-Stones_right_was_caught_unawares_when_a_short_pass_from_a_free_k-a-54_1719771668762.jpg)
Stones (right) was caught unawares when a short pass from a free-kick was made into him
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Man City defender John Stones wasn't paying attention when the a three-yard pass was rolled into him just inside England's half and Slovakia pounced on the opportunity.
An optimistic shot from David Strelec sailed over England's defence and Jordan Pickford during a heart-in-your-mouth moment for Three Lions fans.
![The ball eventually ended up drifting just wide much to the relief of England players and fans](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/30/19/86757949-13585625-The_ball_eventually_ended_up_drifting_just_wide_much_to_the_reli-a-55_1719771675363.jpg)
The ball eventually ended up drifting just wide much to the relief of England players and fans
![Stones later apologised for his mistake as England attempted to find a way back into the game](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/30/19/86757863-0-image-a-41_1719770985595.jpg)
Stones later apologised for his mistake as England attempted to find a way back into the game
The shot fortunately ended up inching just wide of the goal in what proved to be a huge let-off for England.
Pickford was left furious at what had happened as Stones began apologising to his team-mates for the almost-costly error.
Their Euro 2024 journey looked set to be over with just one minute remaining in stoppage time before Jude Bellingham popped up with a late equaliser.
The Real Madrid midfielder waited patiently as a throw-in was launched into the box and manipulated his body to produce a brilliant acrobatic finish.