England are still holding out hope of reaching the quarter-finals at Euro 2024 thanks to Jude Bellingham’s late equaliser, giving Gareth Southgate’s side hope for success. A late equaliser from Jude has given England hope of progressing further than they may otherwise.
Foden found space on the left but his cross was blocked, leading him into difficulty and seeing yellow for being fouled by Vavro and receiving his first yellow card of the game. The England national football team vs Slovakia national football team timeline showed a heated match, with Foden’s caution marking a significant moment in the first half.
England XI
England are currently experiencing some nerves at this stage. After blowing their best opportunity in normal time with Harry Kane’s poor finish, they haven’t been able to capitalize on it and build on it since. At this point, England are hanging onto victory through sheer determination; any defensive mistake could spell disaster for them at any moment.
England cannot allow themselves to keep conceding goals at this rate and must become more precise and decisive with their goal-scoring. An England goal should put any doubt about winning away!
Gareth Southgate appears to be playing many players out of position and their lack of quality at the back is costing them dearly. He must make changes as soon as possible.
Start of second half is tight as both teams keep possession well. Now it is down to who can make the crucial break; Slovakia have put immense pressure on England who need to find an outlet soon.
Trippier and Foden attempt to combine on the left but their pass veers off track and is intercepted by Guehi from Palace defender, earning him a yellow card that may put his future participation at stake if England make it past quarter finals.
Foden unleashes a delightful set-piece from the right flank, but nobody can reach it and it is cleared away by an outstretched Slovakia defender. Ivan Toney makes an impressive run into space but his shot misses.
With extra time dragging on and no goal yet scored, Southgate makes an attempt to inject fresh energy by bringing on Kobbie Mainoo from left back and switch the formation into 3-5-2 formation, moving Saka from his position on the left wing to play on Saka’s right wing.
As the second half commences, England fans are cheering in anticipation of a possible miracle win against Slovakia who look set on reaching Euro 2024’s last eight. Unfortunately for England though, winning won’t come easy against a team like Slovakia who look poised and determined.
Slovakia XI
England are struggling to create anything of note in the final third, while Slovakia have looked composed at both ends. Former Serie A coach Francesco Calzona has overcome initial scepticism to lead his Slovaks above expectations at Euro 2024; although his side’s vulnerable defence has been exposed in draws with Denmark and Slovenia.
Stanislav Lobotka, Ondrej Duda and Juraj Kucka have ample Serie A experience between them and should be capable of withstanding England’s initial pressure in the opening stages.
At the other end, Ivan Schranz and Lukas Haraslin have threatened with their movement and speed to score, yet have been unable to break through as Guehi and Skriniar prove hard to break past.
England have won a free-kick deep in Slovakia territory. Kieran Trippier, who has been deployed at left back throughout this tournament, attempts to make changes but Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze are unsuitable for playing in such positions.
Gareth Southgate will have to make a difficult choice after this half-time. His team are not creating enough chances, their passing not finding its way into the box, while their defense has been weak.
Declan Rice scores an outstanding long-range strike that beats Martin Dubravka but hits the woodwork, while Harry Kane’s follow up shot is deflected wide of goal. It marks an uninspiring beginning to the match for England; they will look to correct any mistakes before it is too late.
England haven’t scored since their 4-0 thumping of Germany in their opening group match and now appear desperate for an equaliser. A lackluster first half performance by Gareth Southgate’s tactics have raised many questions; and it may be time for him to devise another plan – such as adding Marcus Rashford for extra attacking impetus. England can still reach the quarter-finals but will need to drastically improve their performance to beat Slovakia.
England manager Gareth Southgate
Gareth Southgate has held off on changes to his England side ahead of their second Euro 2024 last-16 clash against Slovakia. While they may not have hit the heights seen against Sweden in Group Stage play, England remain unbeaten and are hoping to make progress into quarter-finals of competition.
As England manager Gareth Southgate selects his team for this game, he may opt for more defensive reinforcements when selecting his squad. Kobbie Mainoo should start in midfield alongside Phil Foden; but he could also choose Bukayo Saka at left back and Eberechi Eze as right wing-back instead of Kieran Trippier as an alternative solution.
Southgate will look to build his team from the back, while at the same time providing an attack through channels. Unfortunately, England were largely unable to do this in the first half, their passing frequently misfiring off-target.
Ivan Toney came close to scoring with a late attempt but his shot went just wide of the post. With such an outstanding effort on display from him throughout the match, Toney will surely be eager for at least one goal before it all comes to an end.
Slovakia are still looking dangerous on the counter-attack, with Mainoo giving away possession in a dangerous spot. But their attempts at capitalising on free kick are unsuccessful as Konsa blocks Tupta’s cross.
Mainoo will be replaced by Eberechi Eze, and England revert back to their preferred 5-3-2 formation. This will enable Southgate to maximize the strengths of his squad.
Manchester United star Rashford can run with the ball with ease, providing his side with an effective source of attack. His debut against Tunisia was impressive and now plays an integral part of this England team.
Roy Hodgson would have been proud of his players’ tenacity and determination during their recent tournament matches against Argentina and Turkey, so it will be important they continue showing this spirit throughout this competition and earn a spot in the quarter-finals. For this to happen successfully however, they need an inspired coach to give them extra push in order to turn this stalemate into victory.
Slovakia manager Francesco Calzona
With a win, Slovakia would become the first team since they broke free from Czechoslovakia to make it to the quarter-finals of any major tournament since their separation. Furthermore, this would mark their first appearance in this competition; although their successful qualifying campaign might lead them further than simply reaching this stage.
Slovakia have been enjoying some impressive football under Francesco Calzona. Their style is attractive to watch, while their technical ability in midfield stands out. Unfortunately, however, Slovakia lack the edge required to take charge and dictate terms in games.
Slovaks possess a high defensive work rate and strong air abilities. Their system makes them hard to break down and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is an exceptional shot stopper – however their lack of pace and ruthlessness in front of goal has been cause for concern.
Ivan Toney broke clear down the left flank and had an excellent opportunity to score, yet his header missed. England seemed content to coast through their first half without really exerting much pressure on Slovakian opponents.
On the other end, Peter Pekarik steps on Phil Foden’s toe and is penalised by referee Mark Ruffian – earning Gareth Southgate’s team a yellow card.
As both teams prepare for extra time, this game remains relatively dogged as both England and Slovakia attempt to up the tempo but so far nothing has threatened Slovakia’s defence.
Injury to Slovak defender Norbert Gyomber gives them their first man advantage of the match as they face off against an England team growing increasingly frustrated at its inability to score goals.
Southgate made an early change in order to energise his team, substituting Kieran Trippier for Eberechi Eze and shifting Kobbie Mainoo over to the right; Foden and Jude Bellingham moved centrally, with Matus Bero and Laszlo Benes entering as Slovakia hoped to defend its lead.