England have been given a huge slice of luck for the Euro 2024 knockout stages as they are on the opposite side of the draw to Germany, France, Spain and Portugal.
On Sunday, they face a Slovakia side who were resolute enough to progress to the last 16 after being one of the best third-place teams in the tournament.
England, despite a raft of criticism from fans and pundits, finished top of Group C ahead of Denmark, Slovenia and Serbia.
England current form
England won their opening match 1-0 against Serbia thanks to a towering header from Jude Bellingham, with the goal being scored with just 13 minutes on the clock. It catalysed a wave of optimism for the tournament but England have been unable to capitalise on the good start to flex their attacking muscles.
They subsequently drew 1-1 against Denmark and then 0-0 versus Slovenia. They've scored just two goals in the tournament so far.
Players like Bellingham, Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden have been the target of plenty of criticism for their performances.
Slovakia current form
Slovakia finished third in Group E behind Romania and Belgium and ahead of Ukraine. All teams in the group finished on four points, but different permutations determined the final places in the table.
Slovakia's key victory impressively came in their first game of the Euros as they beat Belgium 1-0 thanks to an opportunistic goal from Ivan Schranz.
They then lost 2-1 against Ukraine before a final-game draw versus Romania.
England vs Slovakia Team News
One change that is expected from Gareth Southgate is Conor Gallagher making way for Kobbie Mainoo in the centre of midfield. Both Gallagher and Trent Alexander-Arnold have started games in midfield alongside Rice, but Mainoo impressed off the bench in the last game so will be given the nod.
Luke Shaw hasn't played a minute of the tournament so far but there are hopes that he might be fit to come in at left-back, which would give the team much-needed balance as right-footed Kieran Trippier has been deputising on that side.
Phil Foden left Germany for a few days after his wife gave birth, but he should be available to play. Still, it could provide Southgate the excuse he needs to drop Foden, with either Cole Palmer or Anthony Gordon coming in at left wing, probably the latter.
Slovakia boss Francesco Calzona has no fresh injury concerns or suspension worries heading into this one. He isn't a tinkerer, either, so expect the same XI that started against Romania.
England predicted lineup
England (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Shaw; Mainoo, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane
Slovakia predicted lineup
Slovakia (4-3-3): Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Kucka, Lobotka, Duda; Schranz, Strelec, Haraslin
Scoreline Prediction
Even with England's recent struggles, it would be a monumental failure to go out at this stage against Slovakia.
FAQs
What was the score the last time England played Slovakia? In 2017, England beat Slovakia 2-1 in a World Cup Qualifier.
What time does the match kick-off? The game commences at 1700 GMT.
Where is England versus Slovakia being played? The game will be played at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen.
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