England Vs Slovakia: Euro 2024 last-16 match preview
England and Slovakia will do battle in a Euro 2024 last-16 fixture on Sunday, June 30. SportsRation presents a preview of the much-anticipated clash.
Match Preview
England’s Euro 2024 journey progresses into the knockout phase as they prepare to face Slovakia on Sunday in Gelsenkirchen by 5pm (Nigerian time). The winner of this match will advance to the quarter-finals to meet Switzerland, who recently eliminated Italy.
England’s Campaign
England has aimed to surpass their runner-up finish at Euro 2020. They qualified for the last 16 as Group C winners, drawing with Denmark and Slovenia and securing a narrow win over Serbia. Despite remaining unbeaten, the team’s performance has drawn criticism, with just two wins in their last eight matches. England has an unbeaten record against Slovakia, winning five out of six previous encounters, the only draw coming at Euro 2016.
Slovakia’s Journey
Slovakia surprised many by defeating Belgium and securing a draw with Romania, finishing third in Group E. Coached by Francesco Calzona, Slovakia has shown a more attacking approach, setting national records for shots on target during the group phase. However, Slovakia has never won more than one match in a single European Championship and will need to make history to advance further.
Team News
England
- Luke Shaw: Available but not fit to start.
- Kieran Trippier and Declan Rice: Trained separately.
- Anthony Gordon: Fit despite minor injuries.
- Phil Foden: Returns after the birth of his child.
- Harry Kane: Key player in the knockout stages, will lead the attack again.
Slovakia
- Regular Lineup: Martin Dubravka, Milan Skriniar, Stanislav Lobotka, and Juraj Kucka form the spine.
- Potential Forwards: David Strelec or Robert Bozenik likely to start.
- Tomas Suslov: Impact substitute but not expected to start.
Predicted Lineups
England (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Pickford
- Defenders: Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier
- Midfielders: Mainoo, Rice
- Attackers: Saka, Bellingham, Gordon
- Striker: Kane
Slovakia (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Dubravka
- Defenders: Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko
- Midfielders: Kucka, Lobotka, Duda
- Forwards: Schranz, Bozenik, Haraslin
Match Outlook
England will look to leverage their depth and experience, with key players like Kane and Pickford pivotal in maintaining their defensive record. Slovakia, with a disciplined and experienced squad, aims to challenge England’s defense with their attacking prowess. A highly competitive match is anticipated, with England slightly favored due to their track record and squad depth.
WE SAY
England win 2-0.
