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Preview: England vs. Slovakia

Preview: England vs. Slovakia

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During a tournament that has delivered plenty of action and drama in equal measure throughout, Group C very much failed to live up to its end of the bargain. With just seven goals scored in total, two sides who failed to even win a game progressing to the knockout stages and alongside them, the pre-tournament favourites England seriously under delivered in comparison to their obvious quality on paper.

By Nathan Evans

Amongst their ranks this time around is the LaLiga Player of the Year, Premier League Player of the Year and the Bundesliga’s top scorer but so far, the Three Lions have failed to find their form in Germany. 

A lacklustre 1-0 win in their opener against Serbia could be forgiven with the capture of three vital points to kick off their campaign, but two drab draws against Denmark and Slovenia in their subsequent outings have done plenty to tamper expectations back home in terms of potentially winning the competition. 

Under manager Gareth Southgate, England have performed well at major tournaments previously, reaching at least the quarter-final stage in each of the competitions played during his tenure but this time around, the entertainment value has been minimal, and it’s done little to quell the concern from fans and pundits alike. 

Problems first arose with England’s squad selection, in which no healthy, recognised left back was picked by Southgate and it’s that decision that has caused much of the problem for the Three Lions. In their 4-2-3-1 set up, Kieran Trippier has featured at left back but with Phil Foden playing on the same wing and out of his favoured position, no width has been created down that flank.

That has left England unbalanced, making life easy for the nations that they’ve faced so far as they’ve been able to focus their defensive actions down the centre of the pitch as the Three Lions’ attacking midfield area has become oversubscribed with players drawn towards the ball. 

Slovakia will be the latest side to try and keep England off the scoresheet at the Round of 16 stage. They finished third behind Romania and Belgium in Group E and highlighted their ability to perform against the biggest nations with a 1-0 victory over Belgium in their opening fixture. 

Even though, on paper, they represent one of the weaker sides left in the competition, expect them to frustrate Southgate’s side from the off as they look to claim a priceless victory en route to a potential first ever quarter-final appearance at the Euros as an independent country.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from Euro 2024 live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Preview: England vs. Slovakia

During a tournament that has delivered plenty of action and drama in equal measure throughout, Group C very much failed to live up to its end of the bargain. With just seven goals scored in total, two sides who failed to even win a game progressing to the knockout stages and alongside them, the pre-tournament favourites England seriously under delivered in comparison to their obvious quality on paper.

By Nathan Evans

Amongst their ranks this time around is the LaLiga Player of the Year, Premier League Player of the Year and the Bundesliga’s top scorer but so far, the Three Lions have failed to find their form in Germany. 

A lacklustre 1-0 win in their opener against Serbia could be forgiven with the capture of three vital points to kick off their campaign, but two drab draws against Denmark and Slovenia in their subsequent outings have done plenty to tamper expectations back home in terms of potentially winning the competition. 

Under manager Gareth Southgate, England have performed well at major tournaments previously, reaching at least the quarter-final stage in each of the competitions played during his tenure but this time around, the entertainment value has been minimal, and it’s done little to quell the concern from fans and pundits alike. 

Problems first arose with England’s squad selection, in which no healthy, recognised left back was picked by Southgate and it’s that decision that has caused much of the problem for the Three Lions. In their 4-2-3-1 set up, Kieran Trippier has featured at left back but with Phil Foden playing on the same wing and out of his favoured position, no width has been created down that flank.

That has left England unbalanced, making life easy for the nations that they’ve faced so far as they’ve been able to focus their defensive actions down the centre of the pitch as the Three Lions’ attacking midfield area has become oversubscribed with players drawn towards the ball. 

Slovakia will be the latest side to try and keep England off the scoresheet at the Round of 16 stage. They finished third behind Romania and Belgium in Group E and highlighted their ability to perform against the biggest nations with a 1-0 victory over Belgium in their opening fixture. 

Even though, on paper, they represent one of the weaker sides left in the competition, expect them to frustrate Southgate’s side from the off as they look to claim a priceless victory en route to a potential first ever quarter-final appearance at the Euros as an independent country.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from Euro 2024 live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.