After drawing 1-1 with Romania in Group E, Slovakia qualified for the round of 16 as one of the third-best teams at Euro 2024. Their reward is a clash with favourites England, a tie in which they will not be favourites but can certainly draw inspiration from their opening-day win over Belgium.
The similarities between Belgium and England are quite stark so far this tournament. Players with plenty of chance-creating talent are not performing, and the teams look sluggish and lethargic. Slovakia took advantage of that in their only win so far in this tournament, and England must be careful not to make the same mistakes as Belgium. In defence, Slovakia have talent, but they are also a threat in attack. Sparta Prague winger Lukas Haraslin has been a menace on the wing, while in midfield the likes of Ondrej Duda and Stanislav Lobotka should not be underestimated. Ivan Schranz has also been in great form so far with two goals, including the winner against Belgium.
However, Belgium had plenty of opportunities in that game to equalise and win, but failed to capitalise on them. England have struggled to create chances so far in this tournament, and in a knockout game the spaces will be even tighter as Slovakia will look to drop back 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 effective at any opportunity 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.
