England vs Slovakia Prediction Euro 2024

⚽ Football EURO 2024 Match Preview

⏰ 30 June 2024 - 17:00 GMT +1

🏟 Stadium: Veltins Arena (Gelsenkirchen)

England enters the Round of 16 with mixed emotions. Despite topping Group C (W1, D2), their performances have been underwhelming, leading to growing criticism of manager Gareth Southgate. However, their seemingly favorable path to the final has kept fans' hopes alive for football to 'come home'. The Three Lions now face Slovakia, a team they've dominated in recent years with a record of five wins and one draw in their last six encounters.

However, memories of Euro 2016, where England was unexpectedly eliminated at this stage by Iceland after a goalless draw with Slovakia in the group stage, serve as a cautionary tale against complacency. The parallels with that tournament are not lost on fans and pundits alike.

Slovakia, playing the underdog role, arrives at this stage after finishing third in Group E. They've already proven their ability to upset higher-ranked opponents, having defeated Belgium 1-0 in their group opener. This match represents an opportunity for Slovakia to progress further in a Euro tournament than ever before as an independent nation.

The Slovaks have shown a tendency for early goals and tight matches in this tournament, with all three of their Euro 2024 games seeing them score exactly once, each time before the 30-minute mark. They'll be chasing their first-ever win against England in this clash in Gelsenkirchen.

Where to watch?

📺 England - Slovakia Live Stream on TV

📋Players to watch: Harry Kane (England) - The striker will be looking to replicate his Euro 2020 form, where he scored in every knockout game leading to the final. Ivan Schranz (Slovakia) - Known for scoring opening goals, including two in this tournament.

⚡Match Facts:

• England has won five and drawn one of their last six matches against Slovakia.
• All of Slovakia's goals in Euro 2024 have come before the 30-minute mark.
• Only one of the six group stage games involving these two sides saw over 2.5 goals.

💡Prediction: This Round of 16 clash presents an intriguing battle between England's star-studded lineup and Slovakia's determined underdogs. Despite England's underwhelming group stage performances, their overall quality and historical dominance over Slovakia give them an edge. Expect England to control possession and create more chances, but Slovakia's early-goal tendency could lead to a tense start. As the game progresses, England's depth might prove decisive. While Slovakia will likely put up a strong fight, England should have enough to secure a victory, potentially with a late goal sealing the deal.

Betting Tips:

• England to win
• Under 2.5 goals
• Both teams to score
• First goal before 30 minutes
• Harry Kane to score anytime