Despite producing mediocre performances throughout the group stage, England advanced to the knockouts as Group C winners.
Such status has brought them a more favourable path. The Three Lions face Slovakia on Sunday afternoon in the round of 16 au Aufschalke Arena.
- England have conceded just one goal so far in the tournament.
- Slovakia shipped three goals in the previous two matches.
- England have won five and drawn one of the last six clashes against the Slovaks.
- Slovakia scored just one goal in the previous four meetings with the Three Lions.
England disappointed their fans once again on Tuesday. They failed to break the deadlock in a non-inspiring goalless stalemate to Slovenia in the last game of the group stage.
Such a result was enough for the top spot in the section but the performances were far from ideal.
Slovakia came third in a one-of-a-kind group where all four teams ended the campaign level on points.
Goal difference determined the final standings as a 1-1 draw to Romania on the final day gave the Slovaks the third position in the section.
England vs Slovakia Predicted Lineups and Team News
Gareth Southgate is under a huge pressure to mix things up after his team’s slow start to the Euro.
Knowing his pedigree, Southgate is very unlikely to make many changes, if any. Trent Alexander-Arnold might regain his place in the starting lineup alongside Declan Rice after Conor Gallagher’s unconvincing display against the Slovenians.
Slovakia should remain unchanged with the exception of the striker spot. Italian manager Francesco Calzona has his best team in a 4-3-3 formation with Robert Bozenik leading the line up front.
England (4-5-1): Pickford – Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier – Alexander-Arnold, Rice, Saka, Bellingham, Foden – Kane
Slovakia (4-3-3): Dubravka – Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko – Kucka, Lobotka, Duda – Schranz, Bozenik, Haraslin
Is it time for England to shine?
On paper, England have the most talented roster in the tournament by a mile. Nevertheless, the players have failed to justify such a tag in the group stage.
We most certainly expect a reaction because this team possesses so much quality all over the place.
The team’s best part is defence. The Three Lions allowed just one goal in three group stage affairs. It came in the second round draw against Denmark.
England have been beyond impressive in the qualifying campaign, winning six and drawing two of their eight matches to book a place in Germany.
