The Golden Boot at Euro 2024 was shared between six players as both Harry Kane and Dani Olmo missed the chance to claim the award outright in Sunday's final.

Neither Kane nor Olmo were on the scoresheet as Spain edged out England for a deserved 2-1 victory in Berlin, with Mikel Oyarzabal stepping off the bench to net a late winner.

Nico Williams had earlier put Spain ahead with his second goal of the tournament, before England substitute Cole Palmer found the bottom-left corner with a measured 73rd-minute finish.

A number of big names including Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo fell short in Germany, allowing a few outsiders to nab a share of the honours.

Here, we run through the best facts around each of the six joint-victors.

Dani Olmo 

Had UEFA opted to break the six-way tie with assists, Olmo would have emerged victorious outright after teeing up two goals to go with the three he netted. 

He also saved Spain in the latter stages of Sunday's final with an excellent goal-line clearance to deny Marc Guehi a dramatic equaliser.

Given the key role he has come to play, it is easy to forget Olmo only started one of Spain's three group matches and was a substitute in the knockout wins over Germany and Georgia.

Harry Kane

Kane endured a disappointing tournament overall, being withdrawn in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final despite all of those matches being in the balance for England – something that would have been unthinkable in competitions gone by.

Two of Kane's goals did come at crucial points in knockout matches against Slovakia and the Netherlands, though, and his nine knockout goals at major tournaments (World Cup and Euros) are the most of any European player in history.

Yet Kane did not manage a touch in the Spain area in the final. In fact, across the Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 finals, Kane had just one touch in the opposition, one fewer than Jack Grealish had. The main issue is, Grealish played 21 minutes in the 2020 final and did not make the 2024 squad.

Cody Gakpo 

The Netherlands suffered last-minute heartbreak against England in the last eight, but Gakpo enjoyed a productive tournament before that, netting three times – once each against Poland, Austria and Romania.

Deployed largely from the left after being used centrally at Liverpool last term, it will be intriguing to see how his exploits influence how Arne Slot uses him in 2024-25.

Jamal Musiala

Germany may have slipped up in the last eight against the eventual champions, but one home favourite had something to celebrate as Musiala claimed a share of the honour.

Musiala started as he meant to go on by netting in Germany's first two group games against Scotland and Hungary. Florian Wirtz also scored in the opening match as Germany became the first team to have two players aged 21 or younger score in the same Euros match.

Georges Mikautadze

Georgia were a neutrals' favourite as they reached the last 16 before losing to Spain, and Mikautadze was their star with three goals and one assist.

He managed those goal contributions in just 347 minutes, fewer than any of the other Golden Boot winners played.

Ivan Schranz 

Slovakia's Schranz was the final player to net three times at the tournament, scoring twice in Group E and almost dumping England out in the last 16.

Only Robert Vittek (four) at the 2010 World Cup has netted more at a single major tournament for Slovakia.

England progressed to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals by completing a late comeback against Slovakia on Sunday.

Jude Bellingham scored the Three Lions' equaliser in a 2-1 extra-time victory in Gelsenkirchen, dispatching a stunning overhead kick deep into stoppage time.

There was plenty of reaction on social media that continued into Monday, while other teams looked forward to their last-16 ties.

Here, we round up the best posts from around the tournament.

Bellingham rubbishes celebration speculation

UEFA has confirmed it will investigate Bellingham's celebration, in which he appeared to make a rude gesture in the direction of the Slovakia fans.

Bellingham, however, insists it was an "inside joke".

He also apologised for any offence caused.

"An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight," he wrote on X.

Copycats?

They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery, and perhaps that is how the Dutch fans will look at their lowlands neighbours, the Belgians.

Ahead of Belgium's clash with France, the Red Devils' X account shared a video of a fanpark, where their supporters were enjoying a brilliant warm-up.

It looked like everyone was having plenty of fun, and perhaps they'll be giving the Netherlands' fans - who have been the stars of the show in Germany so far - a run for their money.

Pogback

Paul Pogba is absent from Euro 2024, due to the ban he received for alleged doping.

While Pogba fights that charge, he is of course not able to be involved.

However, the 2018 World Cup winner was on hand in Dusseldorf to gee up France's supporters ahead of the clash with Belgium.

Bellingham's brilliance

While there was some controversy over his celebration, Bellingham's last-gasp equaliser for England really is worth re-living over and over again.

And that's what the official UEFA Euro 2024 X account did, sharing a slow-motion clip of that exquisite overhead kick.

Anyone know the score?

Just before Bellingham's moment of genius, Kylian Mbappe was wrapping up his pre-match press conference.

And the France star could not help but ask what the score was in the England match.

Much to his surprise, he was informed Slovakia were winning. Of course, that did not last.

Lineker defends Jude

Gary Lineker has seemingly not been the most popular figure in the England camp following his critical comments so far this tournament.

But the BBC Sport pundit was delighted that Bellingham got Gareth Southgate's team out of trouble.

He was less pleased, though, to hear UEFA were investigating his post-match celebration.

The Oranje arrive

The Netherlands take on Romania on Tuesday, and Ronald Koeman's team arrived in Munich on Monday.

Virgil van Dijk took the Oranje out for a warm-up. Will the Dutch get over the line and tee up a meeting with either Austria or Turkiye?

UEFA is investigating Jude Bellingham's conduct after England's dramatic extra-time victory over Slovakia at Euro 2024, though the midfielder says he meant no disrespect with a gesture he made at full-time.

Bellingham scored a stunning overhead kick five minutes into stoppage time as England came back from behind to beat Slovakia in the last 16, with Harry Kane heading in an extra-time winner.

The Real Madrid midfielder was seen kissing his hand and grabbing his crotch after the full-time whistle in a gesture some interpreted as an insult towards Slovakia's fans and bench.

Bellingham used social media to rubbish those suggestions on Sunday, responding to a video of the gesture on X by writing: "An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. 

"Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight."

Despite Bellingham attempting to explain the incident, UEFA has confirmed it will investigate his behaviour.

In a statement issued on Monday, European football's governing body said: "A UEFA ethics and disciplinary Inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct by the English Football Association player, Jude Bellingham, having allegedly occurred in the scope of this match."

England will hope Bellingham avoids any punishment as they prepare to face Switzerland for a place in the semi-finals on Saturday.

It was another dramatic day in the Euro 2024 knockout rounds, as two more teams booked their places in the quarter-finals.

England fought back from the jaws of defeat as they secured an extra-time win over Slovakia to set up a meeting with Switzerland in the last eight.

Meanwhile, Spain broke Georgia hearts with their comeback victory, and will play Germany in an eye-catching last-eight tie.

Here, we round up the best Opta statistics from the second day of the last 16.

England 2-1 Slovakia (aet): Bellingham, Kane prove late heroes

It looked like England were going to make an embarrassing early exit from the tournament, until Jude Bellingham stepped up with a spectacular overhead kick in stoppage time before Harry Kane netted the winner.

Timed at 94 minutes and 34 seconds, Bellingham's goal was the latest ever for England in normal time at the Euros, coming from the Three Lions' first shot on target after a largely toothless performance.

Kane, on his record-breaking 79th competitive appearance for England, got the timing right too, heading home just 50 seconds into extra time for the fastest goal scored in that period in the competition's history.

The England captain has now scored 14 goals at major tournaments (World Cup and Euros), with only four European players netting more than him – Cristiano Ronaldo (22), Miroslav Klose (19), Gerd Muller (18) and Jurgen Klinsmann (16).

It marked the fourth game that England have won from a losing position at the European Championships as well, after losing their first six such matches.

Only France (five) have ever won more matches when conceding first in the competition, and that late, late show left Slovakia stunned after being just moments from a famous victory in Gelsenkirchen.

Ivan Schranz's third goal at this Euros seemed set to take the headlines, with only Robert Vittek (four) at the 2010 World Cup ever scoring more at a single major tournament for Slovakia, but the forward will not get a chance to equal that record.

Spain 4-1 Georgia: La Roja march on with comeback win

Spain are the only team in the tournament to win all of their games so far, and survived an early scare to come out on top in Cologne thanks to second-half goals from Fabian Ruiz, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo.

Robin Le Normand's 18th-minute own goal saw Luis de la Fuente's side concede for the first time at Euro 2024, only for Spain to rally to the biggest margin of victory by a team that conceded first in the competition.

Spain amassed 17 shots on goal in the first half but only Rodri's first major tournament goal hit the net. It is the most on record (since 1980) by a team in the opening half of a European Championship knockout game.

Indeed, La Roja's 35 shots overall were their most in a single match at either the World Cup (since 1966) or the Euros.

It was the youngsters who stole the spotlight once more as Lamine Yamal got his second assist at the Euros, with Cristiano Ronaldo the last teenager to tee up multiple goals at a single edition (Euro 2004 when he helped Portugal reach the final).

Williams, meanwhile, became the first player on record at the European Championships (since 1980) to score a goal, assist another and complete 100% of his passes (46/46) in a game he started.

Georgia's fairytale was ended by a familiar, formidable foe as they have now lost all seven of their competitive meetings with Spain, conceding 23 goals and netting just four of their own.

The Euro 2024 knockout stages are well underway as England and Spain edged into the quarter-finals on Sunday.

Gareth Southgate's side were saved by Jude Bellingham's brilliance and an extra-time finish by Harry Kane to defeat Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen.

Spain were at their usual best, despite an early scare, as they swept aside Georgia to continue their impressive start to this European Championship.

With more last-16 action around the corner, we take a look back at the day's best bits across social media.

Beauty from Bellingham

Bellingham proved England's hero in Gelsenkirchen, levelling after 94 minutes in their last-16 clash with Slovakia.

The Real Madrid midfielder crashed in a remarkable overhead-kick equaliser, leaving supporters, team-mates and pundits in awe of the 21-year-old's salvaging act.

England's official X account shared an image of Bellingham flying through midair before cannoning past Martin Dubrakva – a photo telling a thousand stories at Arena AufSchalke.

Pedri takes UEFA behind the scenes

Spain midfielder Pedri played an integral role once again as La Roja overcame Georgia to reach the last eight.

Yet the Barcelona man was in action behind the camera prior to that, taking UEFA's official social media account on a day behind the scenes at the Spain camp.

From conversations at a team media day to joking with his Spanish colleagues, Pedri was in a cheery mood, one that will only have improved after Sunday's victory.

Bradley 'the boss' Barcola

France are preparing for a last-16 meeting against Belgium on Monday, touching down in Dusseldorf as they hope to go deeper into this tournament.

Didier Deschamps needs a performance after an unconvincing Group D showing, though Les Bleus appear united in their efforts.

Ibrahima Konate was even caught offering team-mate Bradley Barcola a new nickname, but who knows whether his "boss" tag will stick.

Red Devils hit Dusseldorf before France test

Belgium may have come under scrutiny for a drab Group E performance, but the Red Devils appeared in a laidback manner ahead of their clash with France.

Domenico Tedesco's side were all snapped by the Belgian media as they hit the ground in Dusseldorf before Monday's meeting.

Oranje hotting up for Romania

Romania were the surprise package at this Euros after topping Group E, with their reward a last-16 clash with the Netherlands in Munich.

Ronald Koeman's Oranje were seen being put through their paces ahead of that fixture as Cody Gakpo was caught on camera in pre-match training.

All smiles from the hosts

Kai Havertz's penalty and a finish from Jamal Musiala was enough to see Julian Nagelsmann's Euro 2024 hosts past Denmark in the last 16 on Saturday.

The downpour and thunderstorm that stopped the clash in Dortmund did not seem to dampen the mood of any Germany player either.

Emre Can, Musiala and Leroy Sane were all smiles as Germany's official X account shared behind-the-scenes photos after full-time.

Sheeran and Ferdinand backing England

Bellingham's heroics may have had England supporters celebrating across Germany and at home, but two familiar faces were together to toast Sunday's success.

Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand joined by music star Ed Sheeran, sharing a post to tell the world 'It's coming home'.

Whether Southgate can deliver that remains to be seen as the England manager continues to search for his 'A Team'.

Albart living it up in Cologne

Euros mascots are always an interesting thing to look out for, thinking back to the likes of Pinocchio (Italy 1980) and Goaliath (England 1996).

Germany have their very own furry friend, Albart, and the mascot is living it up as this tournament progresses on home soil.

Albart was whipping up the crowd before Spain's 4-1 hammering of Georgia, and the mascot will be hoping he has more to celebrate when Germany meet La Roja on Friday.

England avoided an early exit at Euro 2024 after last-gasp Jude Bellingham heroics and Declan Rice says the Three Lions "would do anything to protect" manager Gareth Southgate.

Ivan Schranz's first-half opener seemed to have Slovakia on course for a shock last-16 upset, only for Bellingham to rifle home a remarkable 94th-minute leveller in Gelsenkirchen.

Bellingham's eye-catching overhead kick sent the tie to extra time, in which Harry Kane headed home just 50 seconds into the additional 30 minutes at Arena AufSchalke on Sunday.

England have now won their last four games having conceded first at the European Championship, after losing their first six such matches, and Rice says that battling performance was for the under-fire Southgate.

"I cannot describe the feeling representing England in the European Championship round of 16, you look up at the clock and you think 'we could be going home here'," Rice told BBC Sport.

"Players are saying that to each other with one minute to go and there is that inner fight and spirit in us.

"We have got that togetherness tonight, we would do anything to protect this manager. Keep going and keep fighting, it is an honour to be a part of it – we are going to keep going."

Bellingham's stunning leveller, timed at 94 minutes and 34 seconds, marked England's latest goal at the European Championship.

Arsenal midfielder Rice says that only serves to highlight the bravery of Bellingham, who etched his name into England folklore with what Kane earlier described as one of the country's best goals in history.

"It is crazy because if that was me that was going over the bar," Rice joked.

"It was a big moment for him, at 21 years old that takes a lot of guts. People don't understand what you have to go through to get over the line.

"We are not playing against invisible men. They are top footballers, they kept going after us. It is about waiting for those moments as the game got stretched we created more.

"The fans tonight I cannot speak highly enough of them. So grateful they are all here to experience that."

Rice was part of a confrontation with Slovakia manager Francesco Calzona at full-time, with England in celebratory mood after setting up a last-eight meeting with Switzerland on Saturday in Dusseldorf.

Calzona was left disheartened, too, after feeling his side were equal to Southgate's men.

"We played on par basically with England, we almost qualified," Calzona told reporters. "We were very nearly there, unfortunately things went the way they did.

"I'm very proud to see this team do so well, the other team sending on defenders to preserve their result."

Gareth Southgate hit back at his critics as the England manager said Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane's telling contributions against Slovakia were why he avoids making changes.

Bellingham produced a stunning acrobatic leveller after 94 minutes to keep England's Euro 2024 hopes alive on Sunday.

Captain Kane then headed home just 50 seconds into extra time as England edged into a last-eight meeting with Switzerland after a 2-1 victory over Slovakia.

Some had criticised Southgate for not rolling the changes earlier in the second half, though the England manager says the pair's late heroics prove the decision justified.

"With 15 minutes to go you wonder if he is out on his feet," Southgate said of Bellingham when speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live. 

"Him and Harry Kane produce those moments and that is why you don't make changes when people are clamouring for more changes. We had enough attacking players on the pitch."

Bellingham's equaliser marked England's latest goal in European Championship history, with his overhead kick timed at 94 minutes and 34 seconds.

England had been woeful up to that point, failing to register a single shot on target after Ivan Schranz's first-half opener.

Yet Southgate believes the tide always seemed set to change after Phil Foden's second-half finish was ruled out for offside and Declan Rice was denied by the woodwork late on.

"I had a funny feeling the game wasn't dead and I know that sounds ridiculous," the former England international added. "We were pushing and probing.

"Ultimately it is the one we have thrown in the box that got us the goal [Bellingham's equaliser]."

Kane scored his 14th goal at major tournaments for England with his well-taken headed finish, with only four European players ever managing more in history.

"He is an extraordinary goal scorer, he is leading the team so well," Southgate said of his talisman. "He has been exceptional as a captain keeping the ship steady.

"He has been through it before and nights like tonight are which the younger ones will refer back to as that is what happens in tournaments."

A meeting with Switzerland in the quarter-finals in Dusseldorf on Saturday will mark Southgate's 100th match in charge of his country, though he says England have not achieved anything yet.

"That's neither here nor there," Southgate responded when asked about the landmark. "We haven't come to get to a quarter-final but to get through a night like tonight was fantastic character and we now play a Swiss team that have been very good.

"We have a couple of days to recover and get ready for them."

Jude Bellingham revelled in his last-gasp heroics for England but says only time will tell how important that effort was at Euro 2024.

The Real Madrid midfielder delivered a stunning overhead-kick equaliser against Slovakia, with his 94th-minute leveller sending the last-16 clash to extra time after Ivan Schranz's first-half opener.

Harry Kane subsequently headed home just 50 seconds into the additional 30 minutes to send Gareth Southgate's side through to the last eight with a 2-1 extra-time victory on Sunday.

Though celebrating another landmark moment in his career, Bellingham warned England must now capitalise on their salvaging act and go deeper into the tournament in Germany.

"It's 20 or 30 seconds until we're out of the European Championship and the mood now is a massive difference, and what it can do for the team going forward," Bellingham told UEFA's official website. 

"It's a massive moment, but it's a long tournament and we'll only know it if we go on to win the cup. We'll decide in the next two weeks how important it is."

Bellingham's leveller was timed at 94 minutes and 34 seconds, the latest England goal in their European Championship history.

It was also their first shot on target of the game in Gelsenkirchen, and Bellingham says it will be one to remember.

"It's got to be up there," the 21-year-old said of his late strike. "There's a few nice ones, ones that mean a lot to me personally, but this one was so important.

"Both for today and the mood change if it doesn't happen. It's right up there."

England are set to meet Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Dusseldorf, where Southgate's side will be expected to improve.

Bellingham acknowledged those expectations weight heavy on the Three Lions, though performances like the Slovakia showing act as a "release".

"You're 30 seconds away from going home, feeling like you've let your nation down, and one kick of the ball and everything's great," Bellingham added.

"It's a feeling I don't want to be in, but when it comes, it's a great feeling.

"Playing for England is a great thing, but it's a lot of pressure as well. Being on the pitch and scoring goals for me is a release, it's a very happy moment."

Harry Kane lauded England's last-gasp hero Jude Bellingham as "one of the best in the country's history" after his stunning finish saved the Three Lions against Slovakia.

Bellingham crashed in an overhead kick after 94 minutes in Gelsenkirchen, levelling the last-16 clash at Euro 2024 following Ivan Schranz's first-half opener on Sunday.

Kane headed past Martin Dubrvaka just 50 seconds into extra time, the fastest such goal in Euros history, as Gareth Southgate's side scraped into a last-eight meeting with Switzerland on Saturday.

The England captain reserved special praise for Bellingham, whose finish – timed at 94 minutes and 34 seconds – marked England's latest goal in European Championship history.

"We work on so many details throughout the week, we put in a long throw late a couple of days ago and we said we might need it," Kane told ITV after the 2-1 victory at Arena AufSchalke.

"Then obviously Jude does what Jude does, what an unbelievable goal and he's kept our tournament alive.

"One of the best in our country's history, what a player he is. He works so hard for the team and there's been a lot of talk about him the last couple of days, but it shows what he can do.

"In the big moments he steps up and that's what we need, we need everyone to step up in moments and he's done that today."

England have won their last four games having conceded first at the European Championship, after losing their first six such matches.

Only France (5) have won more games after conceding first in the competition's history, and Kane says that battling aspect of England's game can only serve them well.

"That's the desire and the attitude from the boys and everyone involved," Kane added. "It looked tough for a second but you keep going.

"All I can say is incredible support, I know the fans back home would have enjoyed that, but what a win.

"That comes down to preparations, we had a lot of attacking players on the pitch and then the subs at the end were brilliant. In this competition, you have to find a way to win and we did that.

"We know we will do whatever it takes, if we have another game like this in the quarter-finals then we will do it.

"This team knows how to dig deep, we've got to be better but ultimately it's a results business so we can enjoy this."

Jude Bellingham salvaged England's Euro 2024 hopes before Harry Kane's extra-time finish proved the difference in a 2-1 comeback victory over Slovakia in Sunday's last-16 clash.

Gareth Southgate's team appeared to be heading for an early exit in Gelsenkirchen after Ivan Schranz opened the scoring midway through the first half with his third goal of the Euros.

Phil Foden saw an equaliser disallowed soon after the interval and Declan Rice was denied by the post late on, only for Bellingham to deliver a heroic overhead-kick equaliser five minutes into stoppage time.

Kane then headed home from point-blank range just 50 seconds into extra time for the fastest such goal in Euros history, stealing victory from the jaws of defeat to tee up a last-eight meeting with Switzerland.

England suffered an early blow as Marc Guehi's third-minute caution saw him ruled out of the last-eight clash through suspension, while Slovakia twice went close in the early stages.

David Hancko drove narrowly wide before England were nearly caught out again when Lukas Haraslin's deflected effort almost slipped past Jordan Pickford.  

A lacklustre England defence was finally punished after 25 minutes as David Strelec rolled through for Schranz to brush off Guehi before poking into the bottom-left corner.

England thought they had levelled just minutes after the interval, only for Foden to be ruled offside from Kieran Trippier's selfless cross before a routine tap-in.

The Three Lions survived a scare soon after as John Stones switched off from a short free-kick, with Strelec almost lobbing Pickford from the centre-circle.

Cole Palmer was eventually introduced after 66 minutes, with the ineffective Bukayo Saka moved to left-back, but that change did little to alter England's fortunes.

Kane headed wide a glorious opportunity from Foden's free-kick, while Rice cannoned a driving effort against the woodwork from range – but England would be saved by Bellingham.

Kyle Walker's long throw-in was nudged on by Guehi before Bellingham wrong-footed Martin Dubravka with an astonishing overhead finish from the penalty spot, keeping England alive in the dying seconds.

That joy turned to further jubilation moments into the additional 30 minutes as Eberechi Eze's scuffed volley found Ivan Toney, who flicked into the path of Kane to head past Dubravka from point-blank range.

Peter Pekarik should have levelled after 105 minutes but somehow lifted over from the back post as England scraped into the quarter-finals following a thriller at Arena AufSchalke.

England still alive, barely

Kane (79) overtook Peter Shilton (78) as the player with the most ever competitive appearances for England, but a landmark outing appeared set to turn sour.

England had won five of six previous meetings with Slovakia but, as was the case against Iceland in 2016, the Three Lions were somewhat toothless against what FIFA's world rankings would perceive to be a lesser side.

Yet unlike against Iceland, England had a new hero in Bellingham as his goal, timed at 94 minutes and 34 seconds, marked the latest goal for his country in Euros history.

That paved the way for a familiar face to wrap up a remarkable turnaround as Kane scored his 14th goal in major tournaments – only four European players have ever managed more.

Cristiano Ronaldo (22), Miroslav Klose (19), Gerd Muller (18) and Jurgen Klinsmann (16) are the quartet to achieve the feat, and Kane will hope to catch the latter when England meet Switzerland next time out.

Super Schranz heroics in vain

Schranz has scored three goals in four games for Slovakia at Euro 2024, as many as he had netted in 22 games for his country coming into the tournament (three).

The forward is now the joint-top scorer at this tournament, while only Robert Vittek at the 2010 World Cup (four) has ever scored more goals for Slovakia at a major tournament.

Yet Schranz's heroics for Matjaz Kek's side ultimately proved in vain as Slovakia were finally undone by late England pressure, with Southgate's side equalising from their first shot on target.

Though this battling performance will deservedly bring plaudits, Slovakia have now lost six of seven meetings with England and are heading home from Euro 2024.

Gareth Southgate believes "nobody will care about the group stage" if England enjoy a good run in the Euro 2024 knockout stages, starting with Slovakia on Sunday.

Despite topping Group C, England came under fire for their below-par performances in the group stage after edging past Serbia in the opener before playing out draws with Denmark and Slovenia.

First place in the group means the Three Lions avoided the side of the draw including a lot of the favourites, but even that has not raised morale among the fans.

While Southgate accepted the criticism the team received, he was adamant that the real jeopardy of the tournament starts in the round of 16.

"Reality is that nobody will care about the group stage if you get it right? That is the reality, and of course, we have to deliver it," Southgate said in his press conference.

"The fact is you go into a different mental state. Everybody knows that knockout football is jeopardy. Everybody knows that, on a given day, an opponent can make it really tough for you. You know the quality of the opposition left is high and so it changes the mindset.

"It is about 'how far can we go?' We are trying to achieve something exceptional. But it is a step at a time and tomorrow is a chance to improve aspects of our game, to show composure in moments.

"The game will take us in different directions at different moments, and you've got to be able to respond and react in the right way in all of those moments."

If England do beat Slovakia, they will set up a quarter-final meeting with Switzerland, who knocked out holders Italy with a 2-0 victory earlier on Saturday.

Southgate said he was not thinking that far ahead, but that his side do not fear of what awaits them in the knockout rounds.

"It could be another brilliant night to create more memories for our supporters," he added.

"I have played in a semi-final of a major tournament, and managed in a semi-final and a final. Tomorrow, it's about the team progressing.

"We shouldn't have a fear of losing, it's about opportunity. We are trying to reach for something which is a challenge.

"We have lost matches before, life goes on. At that point, when you can handle the worst, you are free to try and go and win the game."

England have no more excuses as knockout football awaits at Euro 2024, so says Anthony Gordon, who hopes to feature from the start against Slovakia on Sunday.

Gareth Southgate's side have failed to live up to pre-tournament expectations but still topped Group C on five points.

The Three Lions overcame Serbia 1-0 in their opener before disappointing draws followed with Denmark and Slovenia.

Those latter two performances have brought questions over England and Southgate's capabilities, and Gordon acknowledged his side must put in an improved showing in Gelsenkirchen.

"I think as a team we just have to come together, we have to perform when the pressure is high," the England youngster said at Friday's pre-match press conference.

"Now we're into the knockout stages, so there's no more next game, next team. Now we really have to step up and be the team we can be.

"That's on us, we're the ones on the pitch, we're the ones who can make an impact and change things. So I think that as players, you've just got to take responsibility and accountability.

"That's what football is about. That's why you want to be in these games, because the pressure is the highest.

"If you win these games, that's where that feeling is that we chase every day. So I think that's a positive."

Gordon has been limited to short cameos off the bench in England's first three group games, though caught the eyes of Manchester United great Wayne Rooney with his energy down the left flank.

Displacing Phil Foden on that left-hand side remains Gordon's priority, though the Newcastle United winger insists the side comes before self in tournament football among Southgate's squad.

"I think frustration is probably the wrong word," Gordon added when asked about the public outcry for him to feature. "It's more of a want to play and want to perform on a bigger stage.

"That just comes from my self-belief. I feel like I can impact any game in a positive way. A lot of people have used frustration the past week or so about my minutes, but I think that's the wrong word.

"I think six months ago, it would have been crazy because I think the opinion of me compared to now is very different, but I've worked hard to be in this position and that's what I want.

"I want people to be calling for me because, like I said before, that's what I'm doing in training. I'm giving my very best to cause headaches for selection. That's all I can do. The rest is out of my control."

Gordon hit the headlines after suffering a nasty blow to his chin when falling off a bike on England's downtime in Germany.

The 23-year-old, sporting a cut chin and bruised arms, hopes to make light of the situation should the opportunity arise against Slovakia.

"I'll put the stabilisers next to the pitch, maybe and you lot [the media] can take credit for the celebration," the forward joked. "I'll do it though, I will do it, definitely, you've got my word."

Gareth Southgate is refusing to back down and has no regrets at Euro 2024, as England prepare for their first knockout test against Slovakia on Sunday.

The Three Lions entered the competition in Germany among the pre-tournament favourites, subsequently topping Group C to make it into the round of 16.

Yet their pole position belies the performance levels of their first three games, with drab draws against Denmark and Slovenia following a narrow 1-0 win over Serbia in the opener.

Jude Bellingham scored in that opening victory, while Harry Kane netted in the 1-1 draw with Denmark that preceded a disappointing goalless outing against Slovenia.

With such a depth of attacking talent available, some have questioned Southgate's ability to get the best out of the likes of Bellingham, Kane, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden.

However, the England manager has no doubts over his side, nor any interest in the external noise from critics.

"I won't be backing away from anything," Southgate said. "Whatever the feeling is towards me, you've got to get behind the team, and that's crucial.

"Players have loved playing for England the last six or seven years, we've got to keep that – we have to keep that.

"If we don't, then I understand the feeling towards me, but back the players."

The left-back situation has also been a topical point of discussion, with Kieran Trippier operating as a makeshift full-back while Luke Shaw continues to be unfit.

Southgate said after the Slovenia draw that Shaw, who has not featured for club or country since February, could be available for the "next game".

Selection issues aside, England will be looking to reach the quarter-final stage of consecutive European Championship tournaments for the first time in history.

Standing in their way is a Slovakia side that edged through Group E, progressing on goal difference as Romania, Belgium and Ukraine all finished level on four points.

Slovakia head coach Matjaz Kek is wary of England's quality going into this one, too.

"We are playing against one of the favourites, if not the favourite, for the tournament," Kek said. "We respect England very much. We know their strengths and their individuals.

"The Euros have just started, and I see them as one of the favourites to win the tournament. I don't know why I would question England, be it the individuals or the team in general."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

ENGLAND – HARRY KANE

Kane has come under some scrutiny for his ability to lead England's frontline, with questions over his pressing and speed up top.

Yet, the England captain has scored six goals in his last six appearances in the knockout stages of major international tournaments (two in two at the 2022 World Cup, four in four at Euro 2020).

His seven goals in the knockout stages overall are also the most of any Three Lions player, a tally he will hope to add to in Gelsenkirchen.

SLOVAKIA – MILAN SKRINIAR

Milan Skriniar and the Slovakia defence will be tasked with stopping the prolific Kane on Sunday, though the centre-back has impressed in other aspects of the game at Euro 2024.

Only Germany's Toni Kroos (130) played more forward passes in the group stage than Skriniar (92), whose 203 successful passes so far are the most ever by a Slovakian player in a single edition of a major tournament.

MATCH PREDICTION: ENGLAND WIN

It is hard to look past anything other than an England win here, with Southgate's side winning 65% of pre-match simulations in Opta's data-led predictions.

That favourable probability owes to a strong head-to-head record as England have won five of their six games against Slovakia.

However, England's one failure to win this fixture was at Euro 2016 in their only previous major tournament meeting, a goalless draw in Saint-Etienne, where the Three Lions had their most shots (29) in a European Championship match on record (since 1980).

Expect Slovakia to fly out the blocks, too, as they have scored first in three of their six clashes with England, yet they went on to lose each of those games 2-1: in both Euro 2004 qualifiers and a 2018 World Cup qualifier in September 2017.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

England – 65%

Draw – 20.6%

Slovakia – 14.4%

Anthony Gordon acknowledged England must improve to "give people what they want to see" as the winger suggested criticism stems from high expectations.

The Newcastle United forward is yet to start at Euro 2024 but has impressed from the bench, albeit in underwhelming England performances.

Gareth Southgate's side topped Group C to set up a last-16 meeting with Slovakia on Sunday, though draws against Denmark and Slovenia, and an unconvincing win against Serbia has added scrutiny.

An honest appraisal from Gorden suggests England are well aware of their shortfalls so far, though the 23-year-old expects his team to respond in Gelsenkirchen.

"I don't really care about stuff like that, I actually think of it in a positive way," Gordon said at Friday's pre-match press conference.

"If people are being negative it's only because they expect a lot from you, which is a positive thing.

"If we want that to stop, we just need to perform and give people what they want to see."

Some sections of the travelling England support jeered Southgate at full-time after the goalless draw with Slovenia on Tuesday, though Gordon again came away with credibility.

Manchester United and Three Lions great Wayne Rooney insisted Gordon should be brought into the starting XI for the last-16 clash after some fine cameos from the substitutes bench.

His form for Newcastle has caught the eye as well, with the former Everton man managing 12 goals and 11 assists in 48 games across all competitions this season.

Yet Gordon says he is not the type of player to go knocking on Southgate's door to demand more minutes.

"I just like to try my best and control the controllable," Gordon said.

"I think if I train to the very best of my ability, do the best I can every day, that's my way of giving him a headache in terms of selection, and the rest I can't control.

"Try my best and make selection as hard for him as I possibly can. When or if I'm needed, I'll be more than ready."

Slovakia captain Milan Skriniar highlighted teamwork as the key to success against England ahead of their last-16 meeting with the Three Lions on Sunday. 

England finished top of Group C with five points following underwhelming performances against Denmark and Slovenia as they limped into the last-16.  

Meanwhile, Slovakia progressed as one of the best third-placed teams after drawing with Romania on Matchday 3, setting up a second meeting in a major tournament against England in Gelsenkirchen.

Skriniar accepts that Gareth Southgate's side have more individual talent within their ranks but believes his team can pull off a shock by working together as a collective. 

"In my opinion, they rely on individual quality and they know that they have players who can decide matches for them," Skriniar said. "That's why I think we can handle them through teamwork."

Following the full-time whistle in Cologne, Southgate and his players were greeted with boos from the travelling England support. 

It brings increasing pressure onto the shoulders of the Three Lions head coach and his players, something Skriniar believes has already affected them in Germany. 

"Even in the first match (a 1-0 win for England over Serbia), they went in with the fact that they are England, and they have to manage things in terms of results.

"The media and fans (have been critical) after their matches, so they will be under much more pressure than us. It can work in our favour."

Having said that, the Paris Saint-Germain defender insists his side will not just sit back and will aim to take the game to England.

"The defensive phase will definitely be important, we have to start defending from the attackers. But the key is to play football," Skriniar said.

"We have to show them that we can play. Let them know that they are up against a team that knows what it wants."