Following their 1-1 draw with Romania in Group E, Slovakia have reached the last 16 as one of the third-best teams at Euro 2024. Their reward is a clash with one of the favourites in England, a tie that will see them regarded as the huge underdogs. However, they can certainly draw inspiration from their opening-day win over Belgium.
The similarities between Belgium and England are quite marked so far in the tournament. Players with a lot of talent to create chances are not performing and teams look slow and lethargic. Slovakia took advantage of that in their only victory so far in this tournament, and England must be careful not to make the same mistakes that Belgium did. In defense, Slovakia has talent but is also a threat in attack. Sparta Prague winger Lukas Haraslin has been a threat on the flanks, while in midfield the likes of Ondrej Duda and Stanislav Lobotka should not be underestimated. Ivan Schranz is also in great form so far with two goals, including the winner against Belgium.
However, Belgium had plenty of chances in that game to draw and win, but they were unable to capitalise on them. England have struggled to create chances so far in the tournament, and in a knockout game the spaces will be even tighter as Slovakia will look to sit deep and counter-attack. The Slovakian side capitalised on a Belgium mistake to score the only goal of the game, and will look to be efficient and clinical in the rare opportunities they get against the Three Lions.
England should have enough to overcome Slovakia, but at least on paper they are a better team than Slovenia. Belgium’s defeat to Slovakia cost them top spot in the group and means they will now have to face France in their last-16 clash.
