England take on Slovakia in the round of 16 as the Euro 2024 knockouts continue today. Gareth Southgate’s side have returned to Gelsenkirchen for this clash, playing in the only stadium to yield a win for them so far in the tournament.
After a slim victory over Serbia and two unconvincing draws versus Denmark and Slovenia, the Three Lions need to put in a strong performance if they hope to comfortably reach the last eight. With the team and manager under heavy scrutiny for their style of play a win over Slovakia will ease concerns going forward.
Despite outside noise, Southgate insists his players have no fear of the knockout rounds and told the media: “It could be another brilliant night to create more memories for our supporters. Tomorrow, it’s about the team progressing. We shouldn’t have a fear of losing, it’s about opportunity. We are trying to reach for something which is a challenge.”
Slovakia reached this round by sneaking through a tight Group E having finished on the same number of points as Romania, Belgium and Ukraine. They had a goal difference of zero and secured third spot to set up this encounter with England.
Follow all the latest updates as England play their last-16 fixture:
England 0-0 Slovakia, 14 minutes
Our senior football correspondent Richard Jolly has the verdict on a lively start in Gelsenkirchen:
An open start, which has suited Slovakia, who have began well. Lukas Haraslin and David Hancko have both been prominent on the Slovakian left, where Kyle Walker has had problems. Three early bookings, which could assume a greater importance later in the game, including two for the England rookies Guehi and Mainoo.
England 0-0 Slovakia, 13 minutes
Up goes Umut Meler’s hand again – Juraj Kucka ends an England counter-attack and he’s the first Slovakian into the referee’s book.
England 0-0 Slovakia, 9 minutes
England 0-0 Slovakia, 12 minutes
Top block from Marc Guehi! The defender throws himself in the way of a Lukas Haraslin bender from about 12 yards that looks destined for the corner. A vital intervention.
England 0-0 Slovakia, 11 minutes
England’s interplay looks much better than against Slovenia, though the final product remains lacking. Kyle Walker eschews an opportunity to cross, strangely, having got to the byline.
England 0-0 Slovakia, 9 minutes
Wasteful from Kieran Trippier! The full back is left alone in open pasture on the edge of the Slovakia box and should do much better with his first time shot as the ball rolls towards him. A bit of a bobble, perhaps, but Trippier will be disappointed to have skied it quite so dramatically, troubling the pigeons in the rafters.
England 0-0 Slovakia, 8 minutes
A fun start in Gelsenkirchen. Slovakia again work possession nicely and Juraj Kucka whips a cross into no man’s land between Jordan Pickford and his two centre halves. Away it bounces for a goal kick but both sides will be encouraged by their early attacking adventures.
England 0-0 Slovakia, 6 minutes
Another booking for England. A bright move breaks down in the Slovakia box and Kobbie Mainoo stamps on the foot of Ondrej Duda as he attempts to regather the ball. There’s not much in it, really, but Umut Meler is swift to reach into his pocket.
England 0-0 Slovakia, 5 minutes
Nearly an opener for Slovakia! David Hancko marauds up the left and into the England box, fashioning a half-shot, half-cross towards the far corner. Jordan Pickford is beaten and so, fortunately for the goalkeeper, is his post – but only by half-a-foot or so.
England 0-0 Slovakia, 4 minutes
It’s an excellent delivery from the free kick, too, arcing beyond England’s retreating line. Jurad Kucka stabs at it but can’t direct it on target.
Source: independent.co.uk
