It was all in the plan. Bukayo Saka at left back. Only one in midfield. On with big Ivan Toney and long throws launched into Slovakia’s box. And the real bit of genius was not to put a shot on target for the first 95 minutes. One-nil Slovakia with only seconds to go? No worries. Keep calm and carry on, England.
It was in this state, after some bits of football so dysfunctional it was mind-blowing, and with their stupefied supporters actually overwhelmed by worries, that England made their way to Slovakia’s area again, with just the final one of the six minutes of stoppage time to go. Kyle Walker hurled another throw long, Marc Guéhi flicked on and Jude Bellingham made a sharp, short,