For all their difficulties and uncertainties at Euro 2024, England are overwhelming favourites to beat Slovakia in today’s last-16 tie.
Despite a hard slog of a tournament for the Three Lions, they will be very much expected to book a spot in the quarter-finals against Switzerland when they return to Gelsenkirchen this evening.
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This venue was the scene of their only win at the Euros so far, a tight one-goal beating of Serbia, with two stalemates against Denmark and Slovenia leading to criticism of Gareth Southgate from virtually all corners and a serious deflating of the nation’s optimism.
But, as Group C winners, England have landed on the better side of the draw with Germany, France, Spain and Portugal left to scrap it out elsewhere, so any sparks of genuine improvement will be enough to raise hopes and confidence.
Slovakia qualified as the third-placed team out of Group E having stunned Belgium to win their opening game before a defeat to Ukraine and draw with group winners Romania.
Date, kick-off time and venue
England vs Slovakia is scheduled for a 5pm BST kick-off today, Sunday June 30, 2024.
The match will take place at Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen.
Where to watch England vs Slovakia
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 3.30pm.
Live stream: Fans can also catch the contest live online for free via the ITVX app and website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from our reporters Malik Ouzia and Dan Kilpatrick at the ground.
England vs Slovakia team news
England XI: Pickford, Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier, Mainoo, Rice, Saka, Bellingham, Foden, Kane
Subs: Shaw, Ramsdale, Konsa, Dunk, Gallagher, Toney, Gordon, Watkins, Bowen, Eze, Gomez, Henderson, Palmer, Wharton, Alexander-Arnold
Slovakia XI: Dubravka; Pekarik, Varo, Skriniar, Hancko; Lobotka, Kucka, Duda; Schranz, Strelec, Haraslin
Subs: Rodak, Ravas, Obert, Rigo, Gyomber, Suslov, Bozenik, Tupta, Benes, Hrosovsky, De Marco, Duris, Bero, Sauer, Kosa
England vs Slovakia prediction
The talent in this England team, and lack of attacking threat in the Slovakia team, means this game will go one of two ways.
England could leap into an early lead and throw the shackles off, truly announcing themselves at the tournament with a big win as Southgate and the players finally get it right.
Or it could be a stodgy, nervous affair where England dominate the ball but struggle to break their opponents down with chances few and far in between - and a single goal either way winning it.
England to win, 1-0.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
The Three Lions have never lost to Slovakia but their one previous meeting at a major tournament, at Euro 2016, is the only time they have failed to beat them.
England wins: 5
Slovakia wins: 0
Draws: 1
England vs Slovakia match odds
England to qualify: 1/7
Slovakia to qualify: 9/2
