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 0-1 Slovakia, 89 minutes
Slovakia are strong and stern from the corner. Eberechi Eze pushes Stanislav Lobotka to concede a soft, needless free kick. England can’t really afford those at this juncture.
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 18:48
England 0-1 Slovakia, 88 minutes
England navigate neatly up the right. Phil Foden’s cut back is turned behind.
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 18:47
England 0-1 Slovakia, 87 minutes
Time running shorter and shorter for England. Stanislav Lobotka’s speculative effort is comfortable enough for Jordan Pickford. That’s the second shot on target of the match.
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 18:47
Will this Harry Kane miss prove costly for England?
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 18:46
England 0-1 Slovakia, 85 minutes
Jude Bellingham is tugged back as he looks to burst away up the right. 25 yards, wide out, Phil Foden to take…
Curled much too close to Martin Dubravka, who punches it back from whence it came.
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 18:45
England 0-1 Slovakia, 83 minutes
Eberechi Eze is Gareth Southgate’s second roll of the dice. Kobbie Mainoo practically sprints off. Eze seems to have gone to the left with Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham now more central.
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 18:44
England 0-1 Slovakia, 82 minutes
Matus Bero and Laszlo Benes are thrown into the fray as Francesco Calzona seeks to protect Slovakia’s lead.
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 18:42
England 0-1 Slovakia, 80 minutes
OFF THE POST! Declan Rice rifles from 25 yards and almost finds the corner, a skip off the surface beating Martin Dubravka but not the woodwork. Harry Kane hooks the follow-up over the bar.
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 18:40
England 0-1 Slovakia, 79 minutes
More activity over in the technical areas, Slovakia seeking fresh legs, England fresh bite and belief.
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 18:39
England 0-1 Slovakia, 77 minutes
Peter Pekarik treads on the toe of Phil Foden, conceding a free kick and going into the referee’s book.
And Harry Kane should convert it into the equaliser! It’s a delectable delivery from Foden that could not have arced more invitingly on to the striker’s head, and it’s the sort of chance the England captain normally devours. But his meaty connection sends the ball spinning wide of the near post – was that England’s big chance?
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 18:38