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, 2 minutes
Jordan Pickford seems perfectly fine, waving his arms about directing traffic as England settle into possession. Jude Bellingham is playing centrally in behind Harry Kane, with Kieran Trippier pushing high up the left.
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 17:03
England 0-0 Slovakia, 1 minute
A nervy start from Slovakia, smashing the ball against Harry Kane in possession in their own half and then carving a pass into the first row of seats beyond the sideline.
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 17:01
England vs Slovakia
Right, here we go. Knockout football for England and Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen.
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 16:59
England vs Slovakia
Plenty of flags waving in Gelsenkirchen, with Slovakia reasonably well represented even with a sea of white-shirted England fans.
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 16:57
England vs Slovakia
Pickford appears ok, following Harry Kane out of the tunnel. England are sporting their white warm-up jackets, Slovakia eschewing any extra garments.
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 16:54
England vs Slovakia
A potential late worry for England: Jordan Pickford appears to have hurt himself warming up.
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 16:50
England vs Slovakia
Kick off is swiftly approaching in Gelsenkirchen, where so far it seems that there has been no repeat of the travel issues that fans dealt with earlier in the tournament at the venue.
Your officials today are led by Turkey’s Umut Meler, by the way. Marco Fritz of Germany is on VAR duties.
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 16:42
England vs Slovakia
Today marks another major bound forward in the remarkably rapid development of Kobbie Mainoo, who has risen from relative obscurity at the start of the season to be an England starter in a Euros knockout tie. Our Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney tells the tale of the teenage midfielder:
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 16:34
Slovakia’s new approach brings a belief they can beat England
An experienced squad, a playing style built to get the best out of them and a national hero on the coaching staff – Lukas Vrablik explains the key qualities that give Slovakia belief that a quarter-final berth will be theirs.
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 16:24
