Gareth Southgate says England 'nearly took Jude Bellingham off' before sensational goal in Slovakia win

But Bellingham produced a brilliant overhead kick in the 95th minute to spare England's blushes, with Harry Kane then netting the winner in extra-time.

Southgate has now reacted to the match.

And the England boss has revealed he nearly substituted Bellingham before his sublime moment of magic.

"I'm so proud of the players and the spirit the lads showed," he told the BBC.

"Everybody we put into the game played a part and helped us get over the line.

"They are all pushing and helping each other and tonight, that made the difference.

"[Bellingham was] fantastic. We were thinking should we take him off, but you know he is capable of those sorts of moments.

JUST IN:Jude Bellingham sends brutal message to critics after sensational England heroics in Slovakia win

"We know in the game itself we needed to better with the ball, we couldn’t find the right solutions in the first half and we did it better in the second.

"Under that pressure they kept probing.

"In the end it is the old fashioned long throw that gets the goal, those moments can happen when you keep wearing a team down."

Southgate also praised Kane for his winner.

The Bayern Munich star has been criticised for some underwhelming performances out in Germany.

READ MORE:England star Declan Rice clashes with Slovakia manager after stunning Euro 2024 comeback

"He is an extraordinary goalscorer, he is leading the team so well," he said.

"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."

Southgate was being blasted by fans online prior to England's turnaround.

Many, including the pundits on ITV, were left stunned by his refusal to make too many changes to his side - regardless of how poor they were.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

• England star set to fly home from Euro 2024 if Gareth Southgate's side win Slovakia clash
• Ian Wright alarmed and says 'something isn't right' with Gareth Southgate ahead of England and Slovakia clash
• Wayne Rooney unhappy with BBC punditry role and makes Gary Lineker feelings clear after Euro 2024 exit

But Southgate has now shed light on his thought process.

"I had a funny feeling the game wasn't dead and I know that sounds ridiculous. We were pushing and probing," he said.

"Ultimately it is the one we have thrown in the box that got us the goal.

"With 15 minutes to go you wonder if he [Bellingham] is out on his feet.

"Him and Harry Kane produce those moments and that is why you don't makes changes when people are clamouring for more changes."

Midfielder Declan Rice, meanwhile, hailed his team-mates for stepping up and delivering in the heat of the battle.

“I cannot describe the feeling representing England," he said. "European Championship round of 16 you look up at the clock and you think ‘we could be going home here’.

“There are players saying to each other 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."