5 things we learned from Euro 2024 last 16

Well, that was eventful. The last 16 of Euro 2024 may not have produced the most tantalising football ever played, but it certainly had everything you could ever ask for from a major tournament.

The reigning champions were dumped out of the competition, there was penalty shootout drama between Portugal and Slovenia and plenty of cracking strikes in between, capped by a truly special overhead kick from Jude Bellingham in the dying embers of England’s clash with Slovakia.

With the quarter-finals now confirmed in the calendar, it’s worth reflecting on what we learned from an engaging round of last 16 fixtures.

Portugal’s clash with Slovenia proved a humbling experience for Cristiano Ronaldo. Having underwhelmed in Germany so far and thrown a strop or two already, the 39-year-old plunged to new depths of embarrassment with his display in the last 16.

Without a goal to his name so far, the Al Nassr striker has proven nothing but a hindrance to an incredibly talented squad. Ronaldo should not be starting for Portugal and he finds himself fortunate to not be warming the bench after some dire displays.

Roberto Martinez’s unwillingness to replace Ronaldo against Slovenia was remarkable. Despite offering nothing to Portugal’s forward line, the veteran continued to lead it. Handed an opportunity to be the hero in extra-time, the former Real Madrid star saw his penalty rebuffed by old Atletico Madrid adversary Jan Oblak, subsequently bursting into tears halfway through the additional period.

Anyone else may have been offered sympathy from those watching at home, but not Ronaldo. His ego – exemplified by the umpteenth free kick he smashed into the stands while Bruno Fernandes stood in wait – has become a major issue for Portugal.

The waterworks were telling; this is surely the end for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner as Portugal’s de facto leader.

Any hopes that the last 16 would be a turning point for England were swiftly dashed against Slovakia. The same tepid and repetitive build-up play produced the same results, something which surprised absolute nobody – bar, seemingly, Gareth Southgate.

England found themselves on the brink of elimination from Euro 2024 after a truly woeful display against Slovakia. A goal down with seconds to play, the Three Lions miraculously found themselves in front just a minute into extra-time….