After successfully getting through the group stage, England's journey in Euro 2024 now moves to the knockout phase as they prepare to face Slovakia this Sunday.
The match takes place in Gelsenkirchen, with a spot in the quarter-finals up for grabs. The winner will face either Denmark or the Netherlands in the next round. England is eager to surpass their runner-up finish in Euro 2020, starting their campaign this summer with a win over Serbia.
England topped Group C with five points, avoiding a tougher path to Berlin where the Euro 2024 final will be held. Despite facing criticism from some quarters after a draw with Slovenia, England remains unbeaten in the tournament.
Manager Gareth Southgate, who faced Slovakia during Euro 2004 qualifiers as a player, now focuses on ensuring his team meets expectations amid scrutiny.
England's potential route to the final includes a possible quarter-final against Italy, who eliminated them in a dramatic penalty shootout at Wembley three years ago.
Slovakia, despite their limited European Championship history, have shown their capability with a notable win over Belgium in this tournament. They progressed from Group E, relying on coach Francesco Calzona's guidance and a more attacking style that contrasts with their cautious approach in previous tournaments.
With their most experienced squad yet, Slovakia aims to make further strides in their third consecutive Euros, having never advanced past the round of 16.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Luke Shaw, England's first-choice left-back, has made himself available for Sunday's game despite a lengthy absence due to a hamstring injury. Although unlikely to start, his return comes at a crucial time. In the interim, Kieran Trippier and Declan Rice trained separately this week, while Anthony Gordon, despite minor injuries from a biking incident, is expected to be fit.Phil Foden has rejoined the squad after a brief absence for the birth of his child, adding to Gareth Southgate's selection challenges in the attacking positions. Meanwhile, captain Harry Kane aims to elevate his performance after a quiet start to the tournament, drawing on his impressive track record of scoring in knockout stages.
Slovakia, managed by Francesco Calzona, is likely to field familiar faces such as goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, defender Milan Skriniar, and midfielder Stanislav Lobotka. The team's attacking lineup will likely feature Ondrej Duda, Juraj Kucka, and either David Strelec or Robert Bozenik, supported by Lukas Haraslin and Ivan Schranz.
Tomas Suslov has made impactful substitute appearances but is expected to remain a backup option behind Haraslin on Slovakia's left flank.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS
England possible starting lineupPickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Mainoo, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Foden; Kane
Slovakia possible starting lineup
Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Kucka, Lobotka, Duda; Schranz, Bozenik, Haraslin
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
England 0-0 Slovakia (England to win Penalty Shoot-out)
While Slovakia has a historic European Championship win as part of Czechoslovakia in 1976, England is poised to keep their quest for a first continental title alive.
Despite England's current team struggling with cohesion and form, they are expected to grind out a victory in Gelsenkirchen, relying on substance rather than style to secure the win.
