Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions take on Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen with a place in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals up for grabs. However, their pre-tournament billing has so far proven unfulfilling as they drew with Serbia and Denmark before eventually defeating a limited Slovenia side 2-1.
The Three Lions will look to extend their unbeaten record against Slovakia, who are led by former Napoli manager Francesco Calzona alongside Ondrej Duda, Milan Skriniar, and Stanislav Lobotka – midfield maestros all. England National Football Team vs Slovakia National Football Team Lineups will be crucial, as both teams aim to showcase their best strategies on the field
England vs Slovakia Lineups
England will look to create some fireworks when they take on Slovakia in their Euro 2024 last-16 match-up at Gelsenkirchen Stadium. Gareth Southgate’s side are under pressure following uninspiring performances in Group C; finishing top after edging out Serbia by only one goal before drawing with Denmark and Slovenia before falling into last place overall.
Phil Foden will make his return after missing out against Slovenia due to the birth of his child, and will likely start again here despite claims by Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer. Additionally, full-back Kieran Trippier should maintain his place despite suffering an initial slow start during this tournament.
Francesco Calzona will likely make few alterations from his team that earned a precious point against Romania last Wednesday, notably midfielder Ondrej Duda who was forced off due to cramp late on, though should return against England while striker Robert Bozenik may replace David Strelec up front.
Schranz’s goal in the first half gave the hosts the advantage at halftime, with Mainoo failing to convert an inviting ball from Rice on the right wing. Kucka brought Mainoo down inside the box but the referee declined to award a penalty kick.
As Slovakia quickly advance up the pitch, England are quickly put under pressure as Mainoo attempts to break through on the counter is blocked by Lobotka while Bellingham sees his volley deflect over the bar. Although England dominated possession for much of this second half, they struggled to create clear-cut chances; it wasn’t until just under an hour had gone when Foden finally managed to muster one from close range; Eberechi Eze made an impressive cameo appearance against Slovenia scoring one goal as an impressive cameo cameo appearance. He hopes to add another goal come this time round against Slovenia!
England vs Slovakia Predictions
England are making their tournament knockout-stage debut against Slovakia and have an opportunity to make a statement in their debut matchup of this competition. Gareth Southgate’s side arrived as one of the tournament favourites but that optimism has dissipated after three disappointing group matches. Francesco Calzona’s side are no pushovers either and have plenty to prove in this matchup.
England have maintained possession by passing from side to side but have struggled to create chances. Their players seem unwilling to take risks with their passing game and even when they take risks the ball often overhits its target – not helped by an overzealous referee who consistently issues cards against England players.
England have struggled to contain opponents early in this game and Slovakia have taken full advantage by scoring an early goal through Ivan Schranz after being put through by David Strelec – marking only the first time during this tournament that England have allowed an open play goal against them.
England’s best opportunity in the second half was when Phil Foden found himself 20 yards outside of the penalty area, yet his shot flew wide of its target. Cole Palmer then struck a cross which deflected into Jude Bellingham but his header went wide of its intended target.
England midfielders are struggling to link up, while players on the wings seem reluctant to commit fully to attack. Their defence hasn’t been as reliable without Phil Foden due to Kieran Trippier nursing an injury and Luke Shaw managing his workload effectively.
Kobbie Mainoo showed great promise during his brief cameo against Slovenia, and could earn himself a starting spot alongside Declan Rice. Ivan Duda may pose some opposition in midfield however.
Southgate may make his first change of the tournament by replacing Kieran Trippier with Eberechi Eze, who has an excellent track record against Slovakia and should be able to match Bukayo Saka’s pace on the right wing.
England vs Slovakia Live Streaming
Gareth Southgate will hope for an improved display from England when they meet Slovakia, after their nervous 0-0 draw with Slovenia and 2-1 loss against Serbia. They need a win to avoid an early exit from this tournament and will be further buoyed by midfielder Jordan Henderson’s return.
England manager Gareth Southgate has made one change, switching out Kieran Trippier for Cole Palmer. This is an intriguing decision as Palmer can provide good coverage and add pace at left back while also playing on the right wing and supporting attacks from behind.
England are unbeaten in six of their previous matches against Slovakia and are hoping to advance to the quarter-finals for the first time since 1998. England are undoubtedly favourites in this matchup but Francesco Calzona’s side have nothing to lose and everything to gain by giving this contest their all.
Slovakia will stick with their unchanged line-up from their drab 0-0 draw with Romania, and Ondrej Duda should start in central midfield for Ondrej Duda is expected to lead his side once more this tournament. Napoli star Stanislav Lobotka and former Inter Milan players Milan Skriniar and Juraj Kucka will provide ample support.
Slovakia have yet to beat England in five previous meetings but this may be their opportunity. Slovakia are managed by Francesco Calzona who juggles both duties at Napoli under Luciano Spalletti while serving as Slovakia manager.
Both teams have posted relatively modest scoring records during this competition with both sides only managing to net two goals in each group stage. Still, both have proven that they can find goals so this should be another close game.
Both teams are currently level on points after four matches but a win for Slovakia would provide them with an immense boost towards reaching the last eight. Meanwhile, England can secure top spot and set up a clash against either France or Portugal that could see them advance to semi-finals and face either Germany or Spain as potential semi-finalists.
England vs Slovakia Live Updates
England will hope to avoid repeating their last-16 draw with Slovakia when they meet at Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday. They boast an outstanding record against Slovakia – winning five of six competitive matches and drawing one friendly in 2021; never once losing to their last-16 opponents in European competition and victory here will set up a quarter-final meeting against Switzerland who defeated Italy on Saturday.
Gareth Southgate has rejected calls for significant changes and maintained his starting XI that started against Slovenia. Phil Foden returned from his return to training, while Kieran Trippier retained his spot as left back. Luke Shaw missed that match but is expected to start against Slovakia while Kobbie Mainoo replaces Connor Gallagher in midfield.
Francesco Calzona has made one change to his starting XI following Slovakia’s 1-1 draw against Romania. Ondrej Duda left that game after suffering an ankle injury, so Robert Bozenik has come into his team’s defence alongside Stanislav Lobotka and Milan Skriniar.
At halftime, it’s all square and the only goal has come via penalty shoot-out after Trippier is brought down by Lukas Suslov of Sparta Prague; Lukas Suslov was booked for his tackle.
England were saved from an embarrassing defeat thanks to Jude Bellingham’s impressive feat: rising and contorting himself into position to meet Kyle Walker’s long throw with his head, sending it sailing into the bottom corner and earning praise from fans reminiscent of Madonna videos.
England almost made things worse with an ineffective clearance, but luckily for them the ball went out for a corner instead. Mainoo was again involved – setting up Declan Rice who fired a shot high over the bar.
Going into extra-time now and it remains all-square. Slovakia are gradually growing more comfortable as time ticks down and Trippier makes an important block from a free-kick from their hosts that Trippier then blocks. Kane then shoots wide when well placed within the box.
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