England must step up their game. Coming off a disappointing group stage that was heavily criticised at home, Gareth Southgate’s team will have no room for error this Sunday in Gelsenkirchen against Slovakia, in a lopsided round of 16 tie on paper.
Despite their status as Euro favorites at the start of the competition, the Three Lions did not reassure in Group C. With a victory (1-0) against Serbia, and two draws against Denmark ( 1-1) and Slovenia (0-0), the reigning European vice-champions certainly finished at the top of their group, but seemed very poor on the offensive level despite exceptional equipment.
Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane… The English Arsenal seem to be worth more than the two goals scored in the first round. A situation that does not lead Southgate to pessimism. “We did not manage to make the right pass, to finish our actions, but we are improving,” said the English coach after the match against the Slovenians. “I did not imagine that we would suddenly be freed up and score four or five goals. Football does not work like that, but I have seen progress and the goals will come.”
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In the opposite camp, Slovakia escaped from its group for the first time since Euro 2016. Engaged in a very tight group, Milan Skriniar and his teammates created a sensation on the first day by coming to end of Belgium (1-2) before losing by the same score against Ukraine. Held in check by Romania (1-1), Francesco Calzona’s men were among the four best third-placed teams to qualify.
The two teams met six times for five English victories and one draw, which occurred during the group stage of Euro 2016 (0-0).
The round of 16 of Euro 2024 between England and Slovakia will kick off this Sunday June 30 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be followed on BeIN Sports 1, as well as live with commentary on leparisien.fr.
