Slovakia awaits in the round of 16 for England.
It has been a very long time since England had so little hope in a championship final as now when Slovakia is the opposition at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen.
After an almost horribly bad group game, which on paper they should have swept through with three victories, it ended up being five points and a group victory.
The game is tougher than it has been for a long time despite Gareth Southgate having perhaps his best squad since he took office. In addition to the fact that so many played out of position, and now injury question marks on both Luke Shaw and Kieran Trippier.
At left back, there is speculation as to whether, for example, Bukayo Saka will step down, that center back Joe Gomez will step out or that Trent Alexander Arnold will play on the wrong wing. The former would open for Cole Palmer, who didn’t get any playing time at all.
Another change expected is the place next to Declan Rice in defensive midfield. The experiment with Alexander Arnold worked like that, Connor Gallagher was even worse. Now Kobbie Mainoo is said to be prepared for games there.
Many question marks and uncertainties, but that’s probably where better games usually develop from England. Or not, this feels tough mentally.
Opponents Slovakia made it to the round of 16 by becoming one of the top three, this after winning against Belgium, losing against Ukraine and cruising against Romania. A group where all four finished on four points.
In the squad there are a lot of famous players led by the captain and PSG player Milan Skriniar.
The reserve captain is the Italian Fransesco Calzona and of course there is the legendary Marel Hamsik as assistant. Hamsik was the one who recommended the Slovak Football Association to hire Calzona, and things have gone decently well so far with the EC playoffs.
Calzona plays a pressing and offensively laid 4-3-3 that builds methodically. It will be something to bite into for England.
Match start 18.00 today Sunday. KERMON ENGERLUNNN.
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Adam Bills2024-06-30 10:56:00