England vs. Slovakia: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

England are coming into this game as heavy favourites and while they've not necessarily been the most convincing team in the group stages, this is still a game they should win. England's creative problems are well-publicised, with Southgate's side managing an overall xG rate of 2.2, but Slovakia's is hardly any better at a rate of 2.3xG.

Additionally, for all the struggles going forward England have been pretty watertight defensively, conceding a total expected goals against rate of 1.1xGA, the lowest in the entire tournament. Slovakia's, by comparison, is nearly four times that rate, currently at 4.3xGA.

England have match winners all over the park so while they may not deliver the scintillating performance we expect from them, they should have enough to come through this one. England 2-0 Slovakia.

This Sunday, England will face Slovakia in the Round of 16 at Euro 2024. As the tournament progresses into its knockout stages, both teams will fancy their chances in what is an interesting tie. Here's an in-depth overview of the match, focusing on each team's journey so far and what to expect on Sunday.

• Date: 30/06/2024
• Kick-off time: 17:00
• Location: Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen

England come into this game having topped Group C with five points. While finishing at the summit of their group suggests a level of competence, England's performances have been far from convincing. Arguably the biggest underperformers in the tournament, they have looked lethargic, uncoordinated, and at times, frankly incompetent. This has sparked growing discontent among fans, with much of the frustration directed towards manager Gareth Southgate.

Southgate, who had previously been praised for restoring a positive connection between the national team and its supporters, is now facing mounting criticism. The atmosphere is reminiscent of England's disappointing tournament appearances between 2010 and 2016, with the fractured relationship between the fans, the media and the team slowly creeping back. The optimism and harmony built over recent years appear to be eroding, and the current tournament has become a stark reminder of past failings.

A significant portion of the criticism revolves around Southgate's team selections. The midfield balance has been a particular point of contention. Experimentations with either Trent Alexander-Arnold or Conor Gallagher alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham have not yielded the desired results. These problems have persisted longer than many believe they should have, further fuelling the negativity around Southgate's management.

Another contentious issue is the deployment of Kieran Trippier at left-back. Trippier, a natural right-back, has struggled to provide the necessary attacking support on the left side. This tactical choice has rendered England's attacks from that flank largely impotent, compounding their struggles to break down defences.

In stark contrast, Slovakia have had an impressive tournament, defying expectations to qualify from Group E. They finished third with four points from three games, an outcome that few had predicted. Slovakia have proven to be a competent outfit, capable of causing significant problems for their opponents.

Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka has been a standout performer for Slovakia. His contributions in the middle of the park have been invaluable, relieving his team of pressure while helping to control the tempo of the game. Lobotka's performances have been integral to Slovakia's success so far and will be crucial if they are to continue their impressive run against England.

One of Slovakia's key strengths has been their ability to frustrate opponents with compact and organised defensive displays. England, who have struggled to break down well-drilled defences throughout this tournament, will be wary of this. Slovakia's ability to stifle Belgium in the group stage serves as a testament to their defensive prowess and will provide them with confidence heading into the clash with England.

Managed by Francesco Calzona, Slovakia will be aiming to exploit England's vulnerabilities. Although historically they have struggled against England, losing four of the last five meetings with one ending in a draw, Slovakia will be buoyed by their current form and the belief that they can trouble the English side.

From a tactical perspective, England's main challenge will be to find a solution to their midfield imbalance and attacking inefficacy on the left flank. Southgate's decision on how to structure his midfield could be pivotal. Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are likely to retain their spots, but the choice of the third midfielder remains uncertain. Opting for a player who can seamlessly link defence and attack could be crucial in breaking down Slovakia's compact setup.

Kieran Trippier's role at left-back is another major tactical consideration. Southgate may need to reconsider his options and possibly field a more natural left-back to enhance their attacking threats from the left side. This adjustment could help create more opportunities and prevent Slovakia from easily nullifying one side of the pitch.

For Slovakia, maintaining their disciplined defensive structure will be key. Lobotka's role in midfield will be vital in disrupting England's play and initiating counter-attacks. His ability to control the game and transition from defence to attack swiftly will be crucial in exploiting any gaps left by England.

As England prepare to face Slovakia in the Round of 16 at Euro 2024, the stakes could not be higher. For England, this match represents an opportunity to silence critics, restore confidence, and progress further in the tournament. Slovakia, meanwhile, will be aiming to continue their impressive run and claim a memorable scalp.

This game will be aired live to all U.K. viewers in ITV1 and on the ITVX website.

England Team News:

Luke Shaw has "declared himself fit" for this encounter, meaning England have no injuries or suspensions coming into this game. Shaw could play a part, but if he does it will likely be from the bench.

Conor Gallagher is unlikely to keep his place in the XI, with Kobbie Mainoo the main contender to lineup alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.

Phil Foden travelled back to the U.K. this week for the birth of his child, but having returned on Thursday night he feels likely to keep his spot in the starting lineup.

Slovakia Team News:

Slovakia are likely to remain unchanged from their game against Romania, with David Strelec keeping Róbert Boženík on the bench.

Slovakia have been consistent with their lineups, with Strelec for Boženík the only change in the lineup since the first game.

England are coming into this one having won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five games. In two friendlies prior to this tournament, England beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-0 before losing 0-1 to Iceland.

England opened up their Euro 2024 account with a 1-0 win over Serbia, with Jude Bellingham's early goal preceding what turned out to be a laboured performance.

The Three Lions followed that up with what was arguably the worst England performance of the Gareth Southgate era in a 1-1 draw with Denmark, where despite Harry Kane's early goal they proceeded to deliver the type of performance you'd expect from a team put together on a whim.

On Tuesday night, England hoped to end their group stage on a high point as they took on Slovenia, but another subpar performance resulted in a drab 0-0 draw, a result that brought a wave of fairly ferocious discontent from the travelling fans at full-time.

Slovakia, meanwhile, have won three, drawn one and lost one of their last five games, the first two of which were 4-0 wins over San Marino and Wales in warmup friendlies preparing for this tournament.

In their opening game of this tournament, the Central European outfit claimed what is still one of the scalps of the tournament so far as they beat Belgium 1-0 thanks to a 7th minute goal from Ivan Schranz. Despite the fact Belgium had two goals ruled out through VAR, Slovakia defended very well and showed themselves to be an organised, disciplined unit.

Slovakia followed that with a 1-2 defeat to Ukraine, where despite taking the lead through Shranz in the first half they were bested by an impressive second half showing from the Eastern Europeans.

In their final game, Slovakia drew 1-1 with Romania, with the goal coming from Ondrej Duda, in a game where neither side seemed keen to push for a win with a draw seeing both sides into the knockout stages.

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