Sabasports Match Preview
Euro 2024: England vs Slovakia
Kickoff Time: 2024-07-01 00:00 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/ Thilo Schmuelgen
This is the round of 16 in the 2024 European Championship. If the game is tied after 90 minutes, a 30-minute overtime will be played. If the overtime is still tied, a penalty shootout will take place.
Valued at 1.5 billion euros, England’s record in the group stage consists of two goals in three games. The “Three Lions” have once again found themselves in a slow-heating mode, maintaining their traditional style in cup competitions. With a team filled with numerous stars, the media has raised higher expectations for them. They are not only required to win but also to win in style. Unfortunately, England’s performance in the group stage was disappointing. Stars have become the target of media criticism, and reports of internal conflicts among players have emerged. Judging from their three group matches, England intentionally preserved their strength and did not adjust their tactics according to different opponents. This is because the opponents in the group stage were relatively weak, and England likely considered the knockout opponents during their preparation. As they enter the knockout stage, England cannot afford any mistakes, and I believe they will showcase their true skills. Furthermore, as one of the host countries for the next European Championship, the players are highly motivated to win the championship.
Slovakia have once again advanced to the round of 16 since the 2016 European Championship. From a skill and tactical perspective, Slovakia rely on relatively simple offensive methods, focusing on defensive counterattacks. However, they excel at capitalizing on early opportunities. In all three group matches, Slovakia scored in the first half, being the first to find the net. Ivan Schranz, who provides flank support, has been their most effective attacker, scoring two goals so far. However, captain Milan Skriniar has been going through a period of bad form, as the two goals conceded against Ukraine in the group stage were a result of his personal errors. With the exception of a few stars, the overall quality of Slovakia’s players is comparable to that of underdogs. An important factor in their surprising victory over Belgium was the appointment of Italian coach Francesco Calzona and the implementation of Italian-style chain defense tactics. The players maintained clear tactical ideas throughout the game. The defensive formation resembled two chains: one in the front, pressuring the opposition’s attackers and blocking passing routes, while the other provided support in the back, aiding in defense and protection. For Slovakia, advancing from the group stage has already exceeded expectations. In this game, they have nothing to lose and just need to showcase their true level.
Italian chain defense tactics need to be cautious of any changes made by the opponent. England are strong and their reserve players like Cole Palmer, Kobbie Mainoo, and Anthony Gordon are good enough to play against Slovakia’s defense tactics. Therefore we believe England can defeat Slovakia easily.
England’s Last 5 Games: DDWLW
24-06-26 England 0-0 Slovenia
24-06-21 Denmark 1-1 England
24-06-17 Serbia 0-1 England
24-06-08 England 0-1 Iceland
24-06-04 England 3-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Slovakia’s Last 5 Games: DLWWW
24-06-27 Slovakia 1-1 Romania
24-06-21 Slovakia 1-2 Ukraine
24-06-18 Belgium 0-1 Slovakia
24-06-10 Slovakia 4-0 Wales
24-06-05 Slovakia 4-0 San Marino
Head To Head Record:
17-09-05 England 2-1 Slovakia
16-09-04 Slovakia 0-1 England
16-06-21 Slovakia 0-0 England
09-03-29 England 4-0 Slovakia
03-06-12 England 2-1 Slovakia
Prediction: England to win