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England take on Slovakia in their first knockout match of the 2024 European Championship, which proves to be a favorable draw for Gareth Southgate’s side. Faced with the prospect of playing the Netherlands in the last 16, Georgia’s historic win over Portugal means England will face third-placed Group E.
That’s the benefit of winning Group C and the reward of not losing any of their group matches. Southgate’s side have failed to impress in their three games, scoring just two goals without posing a consistent threat. Yet they have remained undefeated and know they have room for massive improvement.
Questions have been asked about England’s formation and personnel as pundits, fans and the players themselves all seek solutions to the lack of spark shown so far.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match, including all the latest team news.
When is England – Slovakia?
The match starts on Sunday 30 June at 5pm (BST) at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, the only stadium where England have won in the tournament so far.
What TV channel is it on?
England v Slovakia will be broadcast on ITV1, with coverage starting at approximately 15:30. The match can also be streamed live online via the ITVX platform and app. A full list of which channels are showing each match can be found here.
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What’s the news about the England team?
Gareth Southgate has ruled Luke Shaw out of England’s final group match against Slovenia in 2024, but there are hopes the left-back will be fit to play a role in balancing the defence, especially after Kieran Trippier seemingly picked up a knock in the match.
The manager is still searching for his ideal midfield combination, with Kobbie Mainoo making a strong case to start alongside Declan Rice against Slovenia. Expect him to be given the nod by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher.
Phil Foden left camp temporarily for personal reasons but returned to Germany on Friday. Southgate will have to assess whether he is fit enough to start with options to bring in Eberechi Eze or Anthony Gordon, with the Newcastle winger perhaps favoured to match the pace of Bukayo Saka on the other wing.
Expected lineups
England XI: Pickford; Walker, Guehi, Stones, Trippier; Rice, Mainoo; Saka, Bellingham, Foden; Kane
Slovakia XI: Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Kucka, Lobotka, Duda; Schranz, Bozenik, Haraslin
Chances
England 1/3
Draw 13/5
Slovakia 7/1
Prediction
The knockout rounds add an extra pressure and desire for England to perform, but it is unlikely that they will suddenly rediscover their fluidity and creativity. With Kobbie Mainoo looking a more stable partner for Declan Rice at the base of midfield and some impressive performances from the bench, Southgate’s team should have the depth and ability to weather this next test, however nervy.
England 1-0 Slovakia.
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