England’s Euro 2024 journey rolls on to the knockout stages, where they’ll face Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen in the Round of 16. The Three Lions topped Group C but have yet to truly convince with their performances, managing just two goals across three matches. Slovakia, meanwhile, have already shown they can surprise bigger nations, famously beating Belgium in their opening game.

This tie looks like a test of England’s patience and composure as much as their talent, with Slovakia eager to make history by reaching a first-ever European Championship quarter-final.

Team News

England
Gareth Southgate has a mostly fit squad to choose from. Phil Foden briefly left camp for the birth of his child but is expected to return in time. Luke Shaw has been edging back toward fitness after a long injury layoff and could be involved from the bench. Kieran Trippier has been managing a slight knock but should be available.

There’s a chance Southgate could tweak his midfield, with Kobbie Mainoo pushing for inclusion after impressing off the bench. Otherwise, the core spine, Pickford, Stones, Rice, Bellingham, Kane, remains unchanged.

Slovakia
Slovakia boss Francesco Calzona has no injury or suspension worries and is likely to stick with his tried-and-tested lineup. Martin Dúbravka will start in goal, with Milan Škriniar and Denis Vavro anchoring the defence.

In midfield, Stanislav Lobotka pulls the strings alongside Juraj Kucka and Ondrej Duda. Ivan Schranz, Slovakia’s standout so far, will lead the attacking line with support from Lukas Haraslin and David Strelec or Robert Boženík. Expect a compact, organised setup aimed at frustrating England and breaking quickly on the counter.

Form Guide

England
England finished top of Group C with one win and two draws, but their performances drew criticism for a lack of attacking fluency. Despite boasting elite attacking talent, they struggled to create clear chances, relying heavily on individual moments from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.

Defensively, though, they’ve been sound, conceding just one goal and keeping control of most matches. Southgate will hope knockout pressure brings out the best in his key players, particularly with the expectation of improvement.

Slovakia
Slovakia’s group-stage campaign was an impressive mix of discipline and daring. They stunned Belgium 1–0, lost narrowly to Ukraine, and drew 1–1 with Romania to seal qualification. Their defence has been resilient, and Lobotka’s calm presence in midfield has helped them maintain balance.

Slovakia thrive on being underestimated. With their structured shape and sharp counters, they’ll relish the role of underdogs against England’s possession-heavy approach.

Head-to-Head
England have faced Slovakia six times, winning five and drawing one. Their last competitive meeting was in 2017, a 2–1 World Cup qualifying win at Wembley. The only draw came at Euro 2016, a forgettable 0–0 that England fans will hope not to repeat.

Odds

Bookmakers have England as clear favourites:

• England: around 4/9
• Draw (90 mins): roughly 7/2
• Slovakia: around 9/1

The over/under line is 2.5 goals, with many expecting a low-scoring contest. Statistical models give England roughly a 65% chance of winning inside 90 minutes.

Prediction

On paper, England should have enough to progress, but this is knockout football, and Slovakia have already shown they can unsettle stronger sides. England will likely dominate possession, but Slovakia’s defensive discipline could frustrate them early on.

Expect England to control the tempo, wear Slovakia down, and eventually find a breakthrough, possibly through a moment of brilliance from Bellingham or a set piece. Slovakia may threaten on the counter, but England’s defensive organisation should hold firm.

Prediction: England 2–1 Slovakia (after extra time)

A nervy one for the Three Lions, but progress nonetheless. England may not dazzle yet, but tournament success often starts with grinding out results.