England take on Slovakia in the round of 16 as the Euro 2024 knockouts continue today. Gareth Southgate’s side have returned to Gelsenkirchen for this clash, playing in the only stadium to yield a win for them so far in the tournament.
After a slim victory over Serbia and two unconvincing draws versus Denmark and Slovenia, the Three Lions need to put in a strong performance if they hope to comfortably reach the last eight. With the team and manager under heavy scrutiny for their style of play a win over Slovakia will ease concerns going forward.
Despite outside noise, Southgate insists his players have no fear of the knockout rounds and told the media: “It could be another brilliant night to create more memories for our supporters. Tomorrow, it’s about the team progressing. We shouldn’t have a fear of losing, it’s about opportunity. We are trying to reach for something which is a challenge.”
Slovakia reached this round by sneaking through a tight Group E having finished on the same number of points as Romania, Belgium and Ukraine. They had a goal difference of zero and secured third spot to set up this encounter with England.
Follow all the latest updates as England play their last-16 fixture:
England 0-1 Slovakia, 69 minutes
England will be disappointed with how poorly they’ve crossed today. They’ve managed to work into advanced positions on both sides with relative regularity, yet been accurate with their delivery. Martin Dubravka still hasn’t made a save.
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 18:29
England 0-0 Slovakia, 70 minutes
Our senior football correspondent Richard Jolly responds to that Gareth Southgate change:
Finally Gareth Southgate has acted, bringing on Cole Palmer – noticeably, to the biggest cheer of the afternoon – and moving Bukayo Saka to left-back. The surprise was that he had not made a change (or several) sooner. England are starting to peg Slovakia back but, apart from Phil Foden’s disallowed goal, have not fashioned many chances of note. Removing Kieran Trippier, however, means they have lost a set-piece taker.
Jack Rathborn30 June 2024 18:29
England 0-1 Slovakia, 68 minutes
Ondrej Duda goes down away from the ball after a collision with Kyle Walker, but England play on, referee Umut Meler happy for them to do so. Slovakia concede a corner, which they defend without undue discomfort.
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 18:28
England 0-1 Slovakia, 65 minutes
Juraj Kucka is riding his luck. He absolutely wallops Declan Rice as the Arsenal midfielder beats him to a bouncing ball. No booking, again.
Here comes Cole Palmer. Trippier hadn’t fully got over that knock and is sacrificed; Bukayo Saka is England’s left-back.
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 18:25
England 0-1 Slovakia, 63 minutes
A few of England’s potential impact men shuttle up and down the sideline.
Kieran Trippier gets his ankle trapped between Peter Pekarik’s scissoring legs. A sore one for the stand-in left-back, who is quickly attended to by a couple of medics. Slovakia’s fans use the opportunity to taunt England with an Iceland-style thunderclap.
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 18:24
England 0-1 Slovakia, 63 minutes
Jack Rathborn30 June 2024 18:23
England 0-1 Slovakia, 62 minutes
Here is that Slovakia double change. Robert Bozenik and Tomas Suslov are on, David Stelec and Lukas Haraslin are off.
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 18:21
England 0-1 Slovakia, 60 minutes
England’s left-footer takes it. Into the wall.
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 18:20
England 0-1 Slovakia, 59 minutes
Kobbie Mainoo waltzes past Juraj Kucka, who trips the Manchester United midfielder. Kucka has been booked…but Umut Meler lets him off with a warning.
Still, this is beautifully placed for a right-footer. 20 yards, left of centre. Kieran Trippier and Phil Foden stand over it.
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 18:19
England 0-1 Slovakia, 58 minutes
Movement on the benches, with Slovakia seemingly readying a double switch. Gareth Southgate must surely be pondering his options, too.
Harry Latham-Coyle30 June 2024 18:18
