England vs Slovakia. Preview of the Round of 16 Match at Euro 2024

The two-match program on June 30 kicks off with the meeting between England and Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen.

In this match preview, we discuss the prospects of the lackluster England, which advanced to the playoffs from the top spot in their group, and how Slovakia, who drew one of the three lucky tickets in a group where all four teams earned 4 points, will try to create an upset against the Euro favorites.

Predicted Lineups

England: Pickford; Trippier, Guehi, Stones, Walker; Rice, Gallagher, Foden, Bellingham, Saka; Kane

Slovakia: Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Kucka, Lobotka, Duda; Schranz, Bozenik, Haraslin.

Gareth Southgate did not change the lineup in the first two group stage matches. The biggest question among experts and fans of the "Three Lions" was what Trent Alexander-Arnold was doing in the holding midfield position. One of the best full-backs in the Premier League was left on the bench for the final group match against Slovenia, with Conor Gallagher starting instead of the Liverpool player. Southgate's coaching decisions remain a mystery even to the biggest connoisseurs of the England team. In Slovakia's last group match against Romania, Strelec played in the center of the attack instead of Bozenik. It’s worth noting that the match had a semi-formal nature, as both teams needed only a draw to advance from the group. It’s unlikely that either coach will change the established lineups, as no players from either team received suspensions during the group stage.

England National Team

Before the start of the European Championship, most experts and predictors considered England the main favorite of the tournament. The star-studded and most expensive squad of the competition, a luxurious attacking line, and the peak form of the key young players of the "Three Lions" all suggested that the English could be expected to win the trophy. In reality, the "rose-colored glasses" had to be removed even by the most ardent supporters of the English team.

The first group stage game against Serbia ended in a narrow victory for England thanks to a single goal by Jude Bellingham in the 13th minute. The Real Madrid midfielder was left completely alone around the penalty spot, responded to a cross from Bukayo Saka, and headed the ball into Predrag Rajković's goal. Besides the goal, England had only one clear chance: in the 77th minute, Harry Kane outmuscled a Serbian defender and shot from close range, but the goalkeeper tipped the ball onto the crossbar.

The second match against Denmark started well for England: in the 18th minute, Kyle Walker sped down the right flank and crossed into the box. Harry Kane responded to a rebound from a Danish defender and calmly beat Kasper Schmeichel to make it 1-0. Then, in the 34th minute, Danish midfielder Hjullmann unleashed a powerful shot from 30 yards out, the ball hitting the post and going straight into Pickford's net, making the score 1-1. At the beginning of the second half, Saka had a good chance, responding to a long pass and attempting to lob Schmeichel with a header, but the ball went just wide. A few minutes later, Phil Foden shot from outside the box and hit the post. There were no more dangerous moments in the match, ending in a 1-1 draw.

The game against Slovenia in the final group stage match could be a textbook example of how to play football that puts fans to sleep. Dull nil-nil draw, which left England at the top of the group (the Danes drew with Serbia (0-0) in the parallel match), and for the first time in history, Slovenia advanced to the playoffs.

So far, the England team has been noted for surprisingly dull football, which is inconsistent with the logic of a team with the most expensive and star-studded lineup. But the English remain favorites due to their placement in the "easy" half of the playoff bracket, which lacks Germany, Spain, Portugal, and France.

Slovakia National Team

Slovakia created the main sensation of the first round by defeating Belgium thanks to Schranz's only goal in the first half. Slovakia can thank the referees and Romelu Lukaku personally: two goals by the Belgian striker were canceled after VAR reviews. First, due to offside, and then for a handball by Openda, who assisted Lukaku for the disallowed goal.

In the second-round match, Slovakia faced a highly motivated Ukraine: the "yellow-blues" were heavily defeated by Romania (0-3) in the first match. Slovakia opened the scoring: Schranz, the hero of the match against Belgium, scored again in the first half. In the second half, Ukraine demonstrated a completely different football, scoring two goals and achieving a come-from-behind victory with a score of 2-1.

Before the final matches, the intrigue in Group E reached its peak: each team had 3 points. Slovakia needed a draw against Romania, which also suited Romania. And so it happened: Duda opened the scoring in the 24th minute, and in the 37th minute, Marin equalized from the penalty spot. A 1-1 draw allowed Slovakia to advance to the playoffs from third place.

Slovakia has shown that they can pose problems even for the most formidable opponents.

England's victory at 1.45 - too low odds for a team that failed the group stage.

Slovakia's victory is too expensive according to the bookmakers: the odds for a Slovakian success are 11. The pre-match lineups and the English squad scream in favor of the "Three Lions." But wasn’t it Slovakia that held off the powerful Belgians, whose attack features Lukaku, De Bruyne, and Jeremy Doku? Therefore, a +1 handicap for Slovakia looks quite attractive. Yes, a miracle might not happen, but Slovakia is unlikely to be an easy target.

A dull England against a solid Slovakia. Who will reach the quarterfinals?

On paper, England’s attacking line is arguably the strongest among the Euro participants. But the dull play demonstrated during the group stage suggests that an upset in this pair could happen. Especially since Slovakia managed to contain the powerful Belgian attack featuring Lukaku, De Bruyne, and Jeremy Doku. Slovakia is unlikely to concede many goals, and England is unlikely to put on a goal-scoring feast. But still, all predictions suggest that England should advance to the quarterfinals.