England vs Slovenia – Euro 2024: Three Lions look to finish top of Group C with win in Cologne – stream FREE, team news
ENGLAND fans will want a reaction from their side after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Denmark.
The Three Lions have received much criticism after letting a 1-0 lead slip and retreating into their own half for much of their second group game.
They can still secure top spot with a win over Slovenia in their final Group C match.
However, it threatens to be another challenging game for Gareth Southgate‘s men.
Slovenia have not lost either of their opening two matches despite being the unfancied team in this group.
They came from behind to draw 1-1 with Denmark, before they were denied a first win at the tournament in stoppage time as they were held to another 1-1 scoreline by Serbia.
A win for Slovenia would see them leapfrog England and book their place in the knockout stages.
But it is strongly believed that Southgate will at least tinker with his starting line-up for the next game.
What those changes are remains to be seen.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of England’s showdown clash with Slovenia.
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Slovenia Euro 2024 guide
THE SCOTLAND of the Balkans - Slovenia have qualified for three tournaments since independence in 1990 but never reached the knockout stages.
However, striker Benjamin Sesko is touted as the next Erling Haaland and gives the Slovenes reason to be more optimistic this time.
MANAGER: Matjaz Kek
In his second spell as boss and has been in charge since 2018 – lost just two qualifying games despite having to overcome the death of his father.
STAR MAN: Jan Oblak
The Slovenes will hope that Sesko can provide the goals at one end while Oblak, one of the best goalkeepers in the world, can keep them out at the other.
How Slovenia attack
Slovenia will be one of few teams at the Euros to play a 4-4-2, with Sesko partnering former Middlesbrough striker Andraz Sporar up front.
When Slovenia attack, the two wingers will come inside to play as makeshift attacking midfielders in a front four. They are also dangerous on the counter-attack.
How Slovenia defend
Slovenia will play in two banks of four and drop deep to deny the opposition space.
They will not break out of their shape to press under almost any circumstances.
Read the full Slovenia Euro 2024 guide, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags
England Euro 2024 guide
GARETH SOUTHGATE is under no illusions coming into this competition – it is win or bust.
The Three Lions have never had a better opportunity to end their 58-year wait for a major international trophy given the talent and experience they have in their armoury.
MANAGER: Gareth Southgate
The former England star has come closer than anyone since Sir Alf Ramsey to ending the Three Lions’ trophy hoodoo.
Southgate is aware that the nations expects, and has even suggested he will quit if he doesn’t deliver the European Championship.
STAR MAN: Jude Bellingham
The Real Madrid star is arguably the world’s best player at the moment and gives England the platform they need to dominate big games.
How England attack
England will look to dominate the ball against almost everybody.
Declan Rice is crucial in progressing the ball, Bellingham, Saka and Foden will rotate to pull defenders out of position and Kane can both score and drop deep to provide chances for others.
How England defend
England press man-to-man with the midfield pushing up to support Kane when the ball is lost and look to win it as close to the opposition goal as possible.
However, the left-back spot could be a cause for concern, particularly with Luke Shaw entering the tournament with fitness worries.
Read the full England Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags.
What does their form look like?
Slovenia have been steadily building with back-to-back draws in their opening two games.
They were widely tipped to finish bottom of Group C coming into the tournament, but head into the final round of fixtures level on points with second-place Denmark.
Slovenia came on strong during the latter stages of their clash with the Danes, but then conceded a late equaliser against Serbia.
England started positively in their opener when they took an early lead over Serbia, but then retreated and limped over the line.
Against Denmark, many Three Lions fans were then left concerned as they relinquished a lead to draw 1-1 and were on the back foot for much of the game.
What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
Slovenia have fielded the same starting line-up in each of their two games so far.
They do not have any injury concerns heading into Tuesday’s clash.
Southgate is expected to change the XI that lined up against Serbia and Denmark.
Trent Alexander-Arnold looks set to be replaced in midfield by one of Conor Gallagher.
There is also the possibility of Jude Bellingham dropping into the No8 role and Phil Foden becoming the No 10.
If this is the case then Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze will be vying for the position on the left flank.
Luke Shaw may also make an appearance after he returned to training on Monday.
Who will be the star men?
Benjamin Sesko has been a crucial player for Slovenia at the Euros.
The RB Leipzig forward, 21, has buzzed around his country’s final third like the talented attacker that has accrued interest from Arsenal.
England will be hoping it is not simply a matter of time until he bags his first goal of the tournament.
Jude Bellingham
Bellingham has had an up and down two games at the Euros.
The Real Madrid superstar, 20, was brilliant in the win over Serbia, but then received criticism for his display against Denmark.
Many fans are calling for him to drop into the No8 role for the Slovenia game.
Either way, his contribution will be pivotal.
What have the managers said?
Slovenia boss Matjaz Kek believes all the pressure is on England heading into this game.
He said: “England is the favourite, clearly. But the Danes and Serbs were also favorites against us.
“Another game lies ahead of us. We must focus all our thoughts on England.”
England manager Southgate did not pull any punches in his assessment of England’s performance against Denmark.
He said: “We didn’t press the ball with our intensity and we kept conceding possession too cheaply and when you do those two things it’s hard to have control in the game.
“It led to an anxious performance the longer we game went on and we understand that that’s got to be better if we want to progress to the stages of the tournament that everybody’s expecting and delivering what we need to deliver.”
SunSport prediction
Slovenia 0-2 England
When is England vs Slovenia?
- England vs Slovenia will take place on Tuesday, June 25.
- The game will kick off at 8pm BST.
- The RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, Germany will host the big clash.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
- England’s clash with Slovenia will be shown live on ITV HD in the UK.
- You can live stream the action from the ITV X, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
Can I watch for FREE?
- Yes, you can watch the game for FREE on ITV1, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
Odds
- England – 1/3
- Draw – 9/2
- Slovenia – 10/1
*Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication.
