Euro 2024 news: Jude Bellingham says England ‘have enough’ to beat Slovakia
Gareth Southgate’s England are now under even more pressure to perform after the chips fell perfectly for them to progress deep into the latter stages of Euro 2024 in Germany.
Pre-tournament favourites England have done little to justify that tag so far, beating Serbia 1-0, drawing 1-1 with Denmark and then failing to score in a 0-0 draw with Slovenia in the group stages of the tournament.
Their five-point haul, however, saw them finish top of Group C, booking a last-16 clash with Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday, June 30 (kick-off 5pm).
Phil Foden has been a bright spark in England’s three games so far but he has returned to the UK to attend a family matter - and there are doubts over whether he will be available.
Kobbie Mainoo caught the eye against Slovenia in a central midfield role, and if Foden is not available to Southgate, Cole Palmer could come into the starting XI after playing a starring role from the bench on Tuesday evening.
Anthony Gordon is also pushing for a start on the left flank, which could also be bolstered in defence, with Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw declaring himself fit to play on Sunday.
Most of England’s hopes rest on the shoulders of Real Madrid playmaker Jude Bellingham, who started the tournament brightly but has looked fatigued in the last two games.
Bellingham admits England haven’t hit the heights expected of them considering the talent in their squad - but he is bullish about their chances of progressing.
He told the press: "People look at it and see it's going to be Slovakia and therefore it's an easy game but it won't be the case. They'll pose a different kind of threat.
"It will be difficult to break down. Sometimes when you play against other nations who come at you a little bit more, it's a bit more open so it'll be an interesting game.
"We're confident we have enough in the room to win. I know the performances haven't been as good as they can be in the first three games, but it's a great opportunity for us to be able to get back to the level we need to be at."
If the Three Lions can roar past Slovakia, they would then face the winners of the game between Switzerland and Italy in Berlin on July 6 - while Romania, Netherlands, Austria and Turkey are all possible semi-final opponents for England if they reach the last four.
Euro 2024 knockout stage fixtures (June 29-July 2)
Saturday June 29
Germany vs Denmark (Dortmund, kick-off 8pm)
Switzerland vs Italy (Berlin, kick-off 5pm)
Sunday June 30
Spain vs Georgia (Cologne, kick-off 8pm)
England vs Slovakia (Gelsenkirchen, kick-off 5pm)
Monday July 1
Portugal vs Slovenia (Frankfurt, kick-off 8pm)
France vs Belgium (Düsseldorf, kick-off 5pm)
Tuesday July 2
Romania vs Netherlands (Munich, kick-off 5pm)
Austria vs Turkey (Leipzig, kick-off 8pm UK)
Not many England fans will know much about England’s opponents Slovakia, so Sports News Blitz has taken a look at their history so far.
Slovakia background and tournament history
The Slovakia national football team are known as the "Slovenskí sokoli" (Slovak Falcons) and are overseen by the Slovak Football Association (SFZ).
Historical Background
Formation: After the split of Czechoslovakia in 1993, Slovakia formed its own national team. Slovak players previously played for Czechoslovakia.
First Match: Slovakia played its first official match as an independent nation on February 2, 1994, against the United Arab Emirates, securing a 1-0 victory.
Major Tournaments
FIFA World Cup: Slovakia qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 2010, held in South Africa. They made a significant impact by reaching the Round of 16, including a memorable win over Italy in the group stage.
UEFA European Championship: Before 2024, Slovakia had qualified for the UEFA European Championship twice, in 2016 and 2020 (played in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). They reached the Round of 16 in the 2016 tournament.
Key Players
Marek Hamšík: A standout player in Slovak football history, Hamšík has been a crucial midfielder and captain, known for his time at Napoli.
Martin Škrtel: A central defender renowned for his career at Liverpool.
Peter Dubovský: An early star, celebrated for his technical skills and goal-scoring ability.
Coaching and Management
Various coaches have led the team over the years, with Francesco Calzona taking the helm in 2022. Calzona aims to integrate experienced players with emerging talent.
Home Stadium
Tehelné Pole in Bratislava is a key venue for Slovakia’s home games, offering a modern setting for international matches.
Team Colors and Kit
The team’s kit features white and blue, reflecting the national flag of Slovakia.
Achievements
The team’s most notable achievements include their performance in the 2010 World Cup and consistent appearances in the European Championship, establishing their presence in top-tier international football.
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