UEFA Euro 2024 Pre-Quarter
30 June, 2024 - Indian Date
Arena AufSchalke
MATCH TIMES
India
09:30 PM
UAE
08:00 PM
Saudi Arabia
07:00 PM
FULL TIME
England possible starting lineup: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Mainoo, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Foden; Kane
Slovakia possible starting lineup: Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Kucka, Lobotka, Duda; Schranz, Bozenik, Haraslin
Match Preview
Tournament Overview
The current tournament has been full of action and drama, yet Group C has not lived up to expectations. With only seven goals scored across the group, it saw two teams advance to the knockout stages without winning a match, alongside pre-tournament favorites, England, who have struggled despite their star-studded lineup.
England’s Performance
England’s campaign has been underwhelming given their talent, which includes the LaLiga Player of the Year, Premier League Player of the Year, and Bundesliga’s top scorer. The Three Lions started with a narrow 1-0 victory over Serbia, a result that, while securing three points, did little to inspire confidence. Subsequent draws against Denmark and Slovenia have further dampened expectations, with England's play characterized by a lack of creativity and cohesion.
Under Gareth Southgate, England has reached at least the quarter-finals in major tournaments, but this time around, their performances have been lackluster. The squad selection has been a point of contention, especially the decision to exclude a healthy, recognized left back. This has led to Kieran Trippier filling in at left back, with Phil Foden playing out of position on the same wing, resulting in a lack of width and balance in their 4-2-3-1 setup. Opponents have found it easy to defend against England by congesting the central areas, limiting the effectiveness of their attacking midfielders.
Slovakia’s Performance
Slovakia finished third in Group E, behind Romania and Belgium, and demonstrated their ability to compete with top teams by defeating Belgium 1-0 in their opening match. As one of the weaker sides on paper, Slovakia will aim to frustrate England from the outset and look to capitalize on any opportunities to secure a historic quarter-final appearance.
Tactical Analysis
England’s imbalanced formation and lack of width have made them predictable and easy to defend against. The reliance on central attacks has overcrowded the midfield, reducing the effectiveness of their playmakers. Slovakia, on the other hand, will likely adopt a defensive approach, aiming to absorb pressure and exploit England’s vulnerabilities on the counterattack.
Conclusion
Despite their struggles, England remains a formidable team with the potential to turn their fortunes around. However, they must address their tactical issues and find a way to utilize their wide players effectively. Slovakia, while underdogs, have shown they can compete with top teams and will aim to make history by reaching the quarter-finals. The match promises to be a tactical battle, with both teams having clear strategies to secure victory.