Jordan Pickford suffers injury scare in warm up ahead of England vs Slovakia as he is forced to leave pitch early

JORDAN PICKFORD suffered an injury scare ahead of the Euro 2024 clash against Slovakia.

But the goalkeeper still made the starting XI for the last-16 game in Gelsenkirchen this evening.

Reuters

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Pickford made the team after seemingly hurting his left wrist or hand as he went down to make a save in the warm-up.

The 30-year-old was seen grimacing as he sat on his knees in pain.

He then got back to his feet and was spotted talking to a physio or a member of the England coaching setup as they discussed the knock.

Pickford appeared uncomfortable as he tried to soldier on before leaving the warm-up early.

The Everton stopper eventually walked off the pitch with a look of disappointment written across his face.

And the Three Lions’ No1 then gave back-up keeper Aaron Ramsdale a hug as he trudged away.

But with concern mounting, Pickford appeared in the tunnel and was ready to go for kick-off.

However, the brief moment of panic left fans worried, with one saying: “We might be doomed.”

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England ratings: Bellingham rescues woeful Three Lions as big names, and manager, have a shocker

JUDE BELLINGHAM’S majestic overhead kick deep into stoppage time saved England from a humiliating Euros exit.

Gareth Southgate’s side had been utterly woeful and looked to be heading home thanks to Ivan Schranz’s clever finish.

But Bellingham came to the rescue in the 96th minute, brilliantly firing into the corner after Marc Guehi had flicked on Kyle Walker’s long throw.

Remarkably, it was England’s first shot on target, summing how poor they had been.

But another one came soon after, as 53 seconds into extra-time, Harry Kane headed home from close range to set up a quarter-final with Switzerland.

It was as close a shave as it comes, and if they play like this against the Swiss, then they will be toast.

Here’s how Tom Barclay rated England’s stars… and manager Southgate.

Jordan Pickford: 5

Appeared to hurt his left hand when taking a big whack in the warm-up, but still played. Fired a lot of long balls and was lucky not to be lobbed by David Strelec’s 45-yard strike.

Kyle Walker: 4

England’s second-most experienced player had a shocker. He looked uncharacteristically slow, his touch was heavy and his crossing was nowhere near good enough. But it was his long throw that led to Bellingham’s magic.

John Stones: 4

Said it was time for the senior pros to step up in the build-up to the game, but there was little sign of that until Bellingham did his thing, and he is only 21. Stones fired aimless long balls, gave it away and it was his mistake that almost led to Strelec’s trying his luck from range.

Marc Guehi: 5

Booked early after Kieran Trippier’s underhit pass meant he had to take out the excellent David Strelec, meaning he is out of the quarter-final. Ivan Schranz bamboozled him for Slovakia’s opener but his flick-on to Bellingham brought the leveller.

Kieran Trippier: 4

When Jude Bellingham’s good ball found Trippier on the edge of the box early doors, on his favoured right foot, you thought, ‘Here we go’. He smashed it into Row Z.

Declan Rice: 5

An old-school reducer on Juraj Kucka was a fair tackle, even if it left the 37-year-old hobbling. His curling effort with ten minutes to go cracked against the post.

Kobbie Mainoo: 6

FIRST start at a major tournament and our only decent performer in an horrendous first half from England. Blasted a volley over but was also booked for a late tackle.

Bukayo Saka: 5

We all know what a fantastic player Saka is for Arsenal, and for England in games gone by, but he rarely threatened here. Did go the distance though, and in a number of positions.

Jude Bellingham: 7 and STAR MAN

Cometh the hour, cometh the man. He had underwhelmed again until the 96th minute, but who cares when you step up like that.

Phil Foden: 4

Thought he had levelled early in the second half but his tap-in was ruled out by VAR after he was caught being, inexplicably, offside. Just off it all night, in danger of being dropped.

Harry Kane: 6

Still way off his best – he was nowhere to be seen in the first half and missed a free header after the break – but got it right when it counted in extra time.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Cole Palmer (on for Kieran Trippier, 66): 7

FANS were on their feet applauding when Southgate finally made a change and brought him on. So lively and with a lovely delivery, must be in with a chance of starting against the Swiss.

Eberechi Eze (on for Kobbie Mainoo, 84): 6

Did enough to put off Slovak full-back Peter Pekarik from turning home at close range in extra-time. Looked like he had been hit by a train when Denis Vavro walloped into him.

Ivan Toney (on for Phil Foden, 90): 7

GRABBED the assist for Kane’s winner by flicking on after a free-kick – which he had won with his strength – had been cleared.

Conor Gallagher (on for Harry Kane, 105): 6

Southgate rolled the dice in extra-time by trying to shut the game out, taking his captain off for the Chelsea midfielder.

Ezri Konsa (on for Jude Bellingham, 105): 6

Ditto to Gallagher as Konsa got his first minutes of the tournament in place of the hero Bellingham, which felt a risky strategy.

MANAGER

Gareth Southgate: 3.

A lucky, lucky man. Tactically, his team were all long ball, lacked any movement, and did not conjure up a shot on target until Bellingham’s wonder strike – and that came from Walker chucking it in the mixer. Subs took ages in the 90 and then felt risky as he sought to see the game out in extra-time.

Another reacted: “Uh oh, Pickford hurt?”

Before relieved fans could relax, adding: “Thank God he is okay.”

Pickford was helpless to prevent Slovakia’s Ivan Schranz from opening the scoring in the first half.

And it looked like that would be the pivotal moment as a dreadful Three Lions performance left them on the brink of a shock exit.

However, in the fourth minute of added time, Jude Bellingham’s incredible overhead kick spared blushes all round.

And Harry Kane scored England’s winner imme

diately in extra time to send the fortunate pre-tournament favourites into the quarter-finals, where they will play Switzerland.

Meet England's Euro 2024 Wags

England Wags range from childhood sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.

Katie Goodland (Harry Kane’s wife)

The fitness instructor has been married to the England captain since 2019 and joined him in Germany with their four children after he joined Bayern Munich.

Laura Celia Valk (Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend)

The stunning Dutch model, 25, has more than half a million Instagram followers and is said to be absolutely smitten with the Real Madrid star.

Rebecca Cooke (Phil Foden’s girlfriend)

Foden’s childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two kids tends to keep out of the spotlight, but is a regular at England games.

Dani Dyer (Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend)

England’s most famous Wag, former Love Island winner and daughter of Eastenders’ Danny Dyer.

Iris Law (Trent Alexander-Arnold’s girlfriend)

Dani Dyer isn’t the only actor’s daughter dating an England star. Iris’ dad is Hollywood legend Jude Law.

Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford’s wife)

Megan has been with Pickford since he was 14 years old. The couple married in 2022 and have one son.

Olivia Naylor (John Stones’ girlfriend)

The 33-year-old former beautician has stepped back from her role after giving birth to a baby son.

Read more about the Wags who will be supporting England at Euro 2024 here