England’s Euro 2024 journey continues as they face Slovakia in a crucial knockout round match on Sunday. The stakes are high, with the winner progressing to the quarter-finals and a showdown against Switzerland.
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England Seeking First Euros Triumph
England returns to Gelsenkirchen, where they kicked off the tournament with a victory. Having topped Group C, they avoided a potentially tougher route towards the final in Berlin. However, despite remaining undefeated, their performances haven’t been entirely convincing. Draws against Denmark and Slovenia, coupled with a narrow win over Serbia, have raised concerns among fans and pundits. Manager Gareth Southgate faces the challenge of uniting his talented squad and delivering results that meet expectations.
Slovakia Aiming to Upset the Favorites
While England are favorites on paper, Slovakia shouldn’t be underestimated. They opened their campaign with a surprise win over Belgium, showcasing their ability to cause trouble. Although they only collected one point from their following matches, they edged through Group E as third-place finishers.
Slovakia’s attacking approach under coach Francesco Calzona has been a key factor in their recent revival. They boast new national records for shots on target during the group stage, a significant improvement compared to Euro 2020. Experienced players like Peter Pekarik and Juraj Kucka provide stability, while Ondrej Duda has praised Calzona’s influence on the team’s success.
Team News and Potential Lineups
England’s first-choice left-back, Luke Shaw, is nearing a return from injury, offering a timely boost to their defense. Midfielder Declan Rice is also a minor doubt, while winger Anthony Gordon is expected to be fit despite a cycling mishap. Phil Foden rejoins the squad after attending the birth of his child, adding to Southgate’s selection headache in attack. Captain Harry Kane, yet to find his scoring touch this tournament, will be aiming to rediscover his form.
Slovakia’s lineup is likely to remain largely unchanged, with Martin Dubravka, Milan Skriniar, and Stanislav Lobotka forming the core of their team. The attacking options include Ondrej Duda, David Strelec or Robert Bozenik, flanked by Lukas Haraslin and Ivan Schranz.
Prediction: A Tight Encounter
While England is favored to win, Slovakia’s fighting spirit and recent form suggest a close contest. England’s defensive solidity, spearheaded by Jordan Pickford, could prove decisive. Our prediction: England 1-0 Slovakia.
Looking Ahead
Victory for England would set up a quarter-final clash with Switzerland. Their path to the final appears more open than initially anticipated, but they will need to overcome any remaining inconsistencies to achieve their ultimate goal of lifting the Euro 2024 trophy.