ENGLAND have yet to spark into life at Euro 2024 but topping Group C has left them in the easier side of the draw and they're heavy favourites to start the knockout stages with a win over Slovakia in the last 16.
Fans have been far from impressed with Gareth Southgate's men in Germany, and some even launched cups of beer at the Three Lions boss after the dreary 0-0 draw with Slovenia.
They think a squad boasting talents such as Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Phil Foden should be producing football that's much easier on the eye but you suspect all will be forgiven if Southgate bores his way to glory in Germany.
With most of the big guns on the other side of the draw, there are echoes of World Cup 2018, when England reached the semis before losing in extra time to Croatia.
But performances will need to improve if Southgate's side are to go all the way and Slovakia won't be pushovers having already claimed a shock win over Belgium.
They then booked a last 16 slot by drawing with Romania and have the players to make life difficult for England if the Three Lions turn in another disjointed display.
How the bookies view it: Slovaks need to defy the odds
Slovakia have been written off for this one as Betfred make them 9/1 for a win inside 90 minutes. An England victory pays just 4/11 while the draw at 90 minutes pays 7/2.
Head to head: Lions hoping to deliver another mauling
Slovakia have a dreadful record against England since gaining independence, going six games without a win in this fixture. They've lost five of those games, including home and away defeats in qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup.
Last five H2H duels:
- 04/09/2017 (World Cup Qualifiers) – England 2-1 Slovakia
- 04/09/2016 (World Cup Qualifiers) – Slovakia 0-1 England
- 20/06/2016 (EURO) – Slovakia 0-0 England
- 28/03/2009 (International Friendly) – England 4-0 Slovakia
- 11/06/2003 (EURO Qualifiers) – England 2-1 Slovakia
Players to watch: Kane out to silence the snipers
Harry Kane has received plenty of criticism for his performances so far at Euro 2024 but there's no way Southgate will drop his star striker. Kane got off the mark against Denmark in the group stage and is 21/20 with Betfred to grab another goal.
Lukas Haraslin has been a threat for the Slovakians cutting in from the left flank to have digs with his right foot. The Sparta Prague forward is 6/1 for anytime scorer which looks a bit overpriced.
Probable line-ups
Southgate will hope Foden returns in time to play after heading home for the birth of his third child. Kobie Mainoo could start in midfield, while fit-again Luke Shaw is an option at left-back, with Kieran Trippier a doubt. Cole Palmer's impressive cameo off the bench has many fans calling for Bukayo Saka to be dropped.
Slovakia should be along similar lines to the team that drew with Romania as they have no suspensions or fresh injury problems.
England: Pickford, Walker, Stones, Guehi. Shaw, Mainoo, Rice, Bellingham, Saka, Foden, Kane.
Slovakia: Dubravka, Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko, Duda, Kucka, Lobotka, Haraslin, Strelec, Schranz.
Anything else catch the eye?
Betting against goals paid off for our man Andy in England's clash with Slovenia and this match presents a similar kind of challenge for Southgate's side.
I'd imagine the Slovakians will defend deep so it could take time for the English to find a way through. Under 2.5 strikes is just 4/6 at Betfred but if you combine that with an England win it boosts the odds to 7/4.
The half-time draw has come up in two of England's three games so far and should stand a chance at 6/5.
England only won three corners across their first two matches while only one of Slovakia's games has hit double figures for flag kicks. That makes under 8.5 corners worth a look here at evens.
This Euro 2024 match between England and Slovakia will be played on Jun 30, 2024 and kick off at 17:00. Check below for our tipsters best England vs Slovakia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
