Talent Rules: England to Beat Slovakia in Euro Round of 16

England vs Slovakia Match Information

• Match: England vs Slovakia
• Date: Sunday, June 30
• Time: 12 p.m. ET
• Location: Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen
• England vs Slovakia Live Stream: Fubo.tv

England Not Convincing But …

England started the continental tournament with a modest 1-0 victory over Serbia. Jude Bellingham scored the opener only 13 minutes into the game and everybody thought it was going to be a goal-fest, but Serbia had other plans. In the end, England won possession with 54 percent and only took three shots on goal.

Breaking down England’s goal vs Serbia

Bellingham goal, Foden free role, importance of box occupation

Breakdown by @JackFawcett1704

pic.twitter.com/8Slbf3IZRg

— BackOfTheNet (@BackOTN_) June 17, 2024

A win is a win, I know, but we’re talking about a team with talent to spare. In other words, a team that shouldn’t suffer so much. After beating Serbia, the Three Lions drew 1-1 against Denmark and 0-0 against Slovenia.

Despite only scoring two goals during the Group Stage, England is -245 to win straight up on Sunday and the team total is set at 1½ goals, with the over offering a -147 price. And that’s with Phil Foden questionable since he returned to England for the birth of his third child.

Still, if Foden doesn’t get back on time, head coach Gareth Southgate can count on Cole Palmer, Jarrod Bowen or Anthony Gordon. And don’t forget about Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka. In other words, scoring two goals shouldn’t be a problem for them.

Defensively, England was one of the best teams during the Group Stage after only conceding one goal. Spain was the only team that managed to keep a clean sheet in all three games. Summing up, we’re talking about a well-balanced squad that needs to start taking things more seriously. If not, Southgate could lose his job.

“England have Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo, Phil Foden – massive, massive talents and we cannot afford to mismanage them,” said former defender and broadcaster Gary Neville.

England vs Slovakia Betting Tips

• England won the last meeting between the two 2-1.
• Slovakia is winless against England (0-1-5).
• Both scored in three of their six encounters.
• The total has gone over 2 goals in four of their previous six meetings.
• England scored in three of its last five games.
• Slovakia has scored at least one goal for six straight matches.
• England averaged 0.6 goals per game during the Group Stage.
• Slovakia averaged 1 goal per game during the Group Stage.

Bank on it: Slovakia Always Scores

Slovakia doesn’t mind being the underdog. In fact, the Falcons were soccer betting underdogs in two of their three games during the Group Stage and they managed to put up a good fight, enough to win at least one point in both.

First, they defeated Belgium 1-0 thanks to Ivan Schranz, who scored the opener only seven minutes into the game. The defensive unit then took care of business. Later, they faced Ukraine and Schranz scored again, but the Falcons ended up losing 2-1. Most recently, they drew 1-1 against Romania.

Keep in mind that, regardless of the result, Slovakia scored first in all three matches. Plus, the Falcons have scored at least one goal for six straight games in all competitions. Finally, Schranz is one of the tournament’s top scorers. In fact, only Georges Mikautadze from Georgia has scored more with three goals.

The thing is that Slovakia has never beaten England, but the only meeting between the two at the European Championship, which was in the 2016 edition, finished with a goalless draw. Have no doubt that this is going to be a back-and-forth battle, but I think England will prevail. Individual talent often makes a huge difference in these instances.

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