UEFA Euro 2024 Group Stage
26 June, 2024 - Indian Date
Fußball Arena München
MATCH TIMES
India
12:30 AM
UAE
11:30 PM
Saudi Arabia
09:45 PM
FULL TIME
England possible starting lineup: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Bellingham, Rice; Saka, Foden, Gordon; Kane
Slovenia possible starting lineup: Oblak; Karnicnik, Brekalo, Bijol, Janza; Mlakar, Elsnik, Cerin, Stojanovic; Sporar, Sesko
Match Preview
Knowing that a point will suffice for Euro 2024 last-16 qualification, England conclude their Group C campaign on Tuesday night against Slovenia at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne. Gareth Southgate's squad has accumulated four points from two matches, although their performances have been underwhelming. Meanwhile, their opponents Slovenia are still chasing their first-ever win at a Euros finals.
England's opening match against Serbia saw them secure a win despite a lackluster performance. However, in their second game against Denmark, the Three Lions paid the price for their passive play after taking the lead. Under the closed roof of Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Harry Kane's goal was equalized by a stunning 25-yard strike from Morten Hjulmand. Despite Phil Foden hitting the woodwork, England's performance was lethargic and disjointed, raising concerns about their cohesion and tactical clarity. Even with these struggles, England is on the brink of qualification, needing just a draw to progress and potentially secure top spot if Denmark fails to beat Serbia.
England's current form, with only two wins from their last seven matches, may give Slovenia hope. Matjaz Kek's side almost secured their first Euros win against Serbia but were denied by a late Luka Jovic equalizer. Slovenia, who also drew with Denmark in their opener, currently sit third in the group and can advance with a victory in Cologne. They are unbeaten in their last eight matches, all ending 1-1 in their last three, and have scored in their last 14 games.
England's squad selection has largely avoided criticism, but Southgate's decision to include the injured Luke Shaw has been contentious. Shaw remains doubtful for the match, and Southgate is under pressure to make tactical adjustments. The experiment with Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield has not worked, so Conor Gallagher or Jude Bellingham could be deployed deeper, allowing Phil Foden to play centrally and either Anthony Gordon or Eberechi Eze to start on the left.
For Slovenia, there are fitness concerns over star attacker Benjamin Sesko, who experienced muscle cramps against Serbia but has been training normally. However, goalkeeper Jan Oblak missed training on Saturday, and midfielders Timi Max Elsnik and Adam Gnezda Cerin are doubtful. Despite these concerns, Oblak is expected to start, and Jon Gorenc Stankovic is available as an alternative in midfield if needed.
As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, the stakes are high. England seeks to avoid a potential last-16 clash with Germany, while Slovenia aims for a historic first Euros finals win and a spot in the knockout stages.