England will face Slovakia for a place in the quarter-finals at Euro 2024.
It had looked likely that the Three Lions would meet fellow European heavyweights the Netherlands in Sunday evening’s third last-16 tie in Gelsenkirchen, after topping Group C despite a turgid goalless draw against Slovenia that ended a hugely underwhelming first phase for Gareth Southgate’s misfiring side.
However, a thrilling Group F finale that saw winners Portugal stunned 2-0 by major tournament debutants Georgia on Wednesday night saw Slovakia confirmed as their first knockout opponents instead.
Slovakia will be no easy opposition for England, with Jude Bellingham warning of the different threats they possess after stunning Belgium on their way to finishing third in Group E and advancing as one of the four best third-place teams at the tournament.
Here, Standard Sport looks at three key players for Francesco Calzona’s team that could make all the difference against England this weekend...
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David Hancko
Excelled as a centre-back at Feyenoord under new Liverpool boss Arne Slot and is being tracked by plenty of big clubs this summer. Slovakia use him as a left-back and he has the freedom to get forward.
He has become a big part of how Slovakia attack, with his height making him a threat in the box, too.
Stanislav Lobotka
Has a vital role just in front of the defence. Excellent at breaking up play and shutting down attacks, but his ability on the ball is just as important.
Slovakia like to hit teams on the counter, and Lobotka’s range of passing allows them to do that to good effect.
Milan Skriniar
Slovakia’s captain and leader at the back. A hard-nosed defender who often sets the tone with his physicality, he is the glue that holds the backline together.
Made his name at Inter Milan but now plays for Paris Saint-Germain and will be trusted with keeping Harry Kane quiet.
