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England face off with Slovakia in a round of 16 tie at UEFA Euro 2024 this Sunday. The match will take place at Gelsenkirchen's Arena AufSchalke.
England qualified for the round of 16 by winning Group C with a total of five points. However, Gareth Southgate's men have largely flattered to deceive thus far, edging past Serbia 1-0 and drawing with Denmark and Slovenia.
Slovakia, meanwhile, progressed from Group E as one of the best third-placed sides. They upset Belgium in their opening game and then secured a draw against Romania to qualify for the knockout stages.
So which of these sides will head into the quarter-finals with a win on Sunday?
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England vs Slovakia Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- England have faced off with Slovakia on six occasions previously, beating them five times and drawing once, in the Group Stage of Euro 2016. They first faced off in 2002, with England coming from behind to win 2-1.
- Interestingly, England's last three matches with Slovakia have seen them led by three different managers. Roy Hodgson was at the helm for the 0-0 draw at Euro 2016, Sam Allardyce oversaw England's 1-0 win in Trnava later that year in what was his only game as Three Lions boss, and Gareth Southgate led his side to a 2-1 win at Wembley in 2017.
- Despite boasting some fearsome attacking talent, England are the joint-lowest scoring side to qualify for the round of 16, having only managed two goals in their first three games.
- Euro 2024 marks just the third time in Slovakian history that the side have reached the knockout stages of a major tournament, having previously qualified for the Round of 16 in World Cup 2010 and Euro 2016.
- Slovakia's win over Belgium in their opening game of this tournament was one of the biggest shocks in European Championship history from a rankings standpoint. Belgium came into the game ranked 3rd in the world, while Slovakia were ranked 48th.
England vs Slovakia Prediction
It's probably fair to say that England have yet to fire on all cylinders in Euro 2024. If anything, they have been the tournament's most disappointing side given their status as betting favourites.
With that said, Gareth Southgate's side are still unbeaten and only conceded once during the group stage. If their attack clicks, they are more than a match for any team remaining.
Slovakia will likely attempt to keep this game tight and hit their opponents on the counter. However, they have not proven to be a truly dangerous attacking unit in their own right and don't carry the biggest goal threat.
Therefore, if the Three Lions can play a little more openly and aggressively, they should be able to win this tie handily, particularly if they can score an early goal.
Prediction: England 2-0 Slovakia
England vs Slovakia Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - England to win.
Tip 2: Harry Kane to score for England - Yes (Kane is England's all-time top scorer and opened his account for Euro 2024 against Denmark in the group stage).
Tip 3: England to keep a clean sheet - Yes (Slovakia don't carry a huge attacking threat and thus far, England have looked solid in defence).
