England take on Slovakia in the round of 16 at Euro 2024 with Gareth Southgate’s side now facing a more favourable route to the final. A opening game win over Serbia and consecutive draws with Denmark and Slovenia were enough for the Three Lions to finish top of Group C and set up a clash with Group E’s third-place finishers.
Slovakia shocked the tournament by defeating Belgium in their first group game but a 2-1 loss to Ukraine meant they needed at least a draw against Romania (which ended 1-1) to qualify for this stage of the competition. With the way the draw worked England avoided a potential tie with the Netherlands and now face the much lower-ranked Slovakians.
Southgate’s side have not yet hit their stride, scoring just two goals from their three games. Though they are unbeaten in the tournament they will know there is room for improvement. The manager has questions to answer around his tactics and formation with Kobbie Mainoo expected to become the latest partner for Declan Rice in midfield. Elsewhere, Phil Foden left the camp to attend the birth of his child but has returned in time for the match.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game including all the latest team news
When is England v Slovakia?
The match will kick off at 5pm BST on Sunday 30 June at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen the only venue England have won at so far in the tournament.
What TV channel is it on?
England v Slovakia will be shown on ITV1 with coverage starting around 3.30pm. The match can also be streamed live online via the ITVX platform and app. You can find a full list of which channel is showing each match here.
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What is the England team news?
Gareth Southgate ruled Luke Shaw out of England’s final Euro 2024 group match against Slovenia but there are hopes that the left-back will be fit to play a part in balancing out the defence especially after Kieran Trippier seemingly picked up a knock in the game.
The manager is still searching for his ideal midfield pairing with Kobbie Mainoo putting forward a strong case to start alongside Declan Rice with his performance against Slovenia. Expect him to get the nod ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher.
Phil Foden left the camp temporarily for personal reasons but returned to Germany on Friday. Southgate will need to assess whether he is fit to start with options to bring in Eberechi Eze or Anthony Gordon, with the Newcastle winger perhaps favoured to match Bukayo Saka’s pace on the opposite wing.
Predicted line-ups
England XI: Pickford; Walker, Guehi, Stones, Trippier; Rice, Mainoo; Saka, Bellingham, Foden; Kane
Slovakia XI: Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Kucka, Lobotka, Duda; Schranz, Bozenik, Haraslin
Odds
England 1/3
Draw 13/5
Slovakia 7/1
Prediction
The knockout rounds add an extra layer of pressure and desire for England to perform but it is unlikely they will suddenly rediscover their fluency and creativity. With Kobbie Mainoo looking like a more stable partner for Declan Rice at the base of midfield and some impressive performances from off the bench Southgate’s team should have the depth and ability to get through this next test, however nervously.
England 1-0 Slovakia.
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