England vs Slovakia predictions: Three Lions to edge through in Gelsenkirchen
- England reached the last-16 stage as Group C winners
- Slovakia have never beaten the Three Lions in six previous meetings
- Recommended bet: England to win and under 2.5 goals
England will be aiming to move a step closer to European Championship glory when they face Slovakia in the last-16 stage at Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.
Despite winning Group C with one win and two draws, the Three Lions' performances have a left a lot to be desired and the poor attacking showings have received huge criticism.
Slovakia managed to squeeze through as one of the best third-placed teams, with all four teams in their pool finishing on four points, but they face a tough challenge to progress further.
Team news
Phil Foden is expected to be available for England after returning to the UK for the birth of his third child, while Luke Shaw has trained with the group and is ready to play.
Declan Rice and Kieran Trippier both trained away from the main group on Thursday to work on their "own individual programmes", but the duo are set to feature.
Kobbie Mainoo is in line to replace Conor Gallagher in midfield after impressing in the second-half of the 0-0 draw against Slovenia.
As for Slovakia, Ondrej Duda came off with cramp last time out but he is set to retain his place in what is expected to be an unchanged starting XI.
The stats
England scored just twice in the group stage for the second European Championship in a row, but their tally of one goal conceded was bettered only by Spain (0).
The Three Lions have never lost in six meetings against Slovakia, winning five and drawing one, with the most recent encounter a 2-1 victory in 2017 when Eric Dier and Marcus Rashford scored.
Slovakia have never gone past the last-16 stage at the Euros, having fallen in this round in 2016 before going out in the groups three years ago.
After a surprise 1-0 win over Belgium in their tournament opener, Slovakia lost 2-1 to Ukraine before drawing 1-1 with Romania to go through as one of the best third-placed teams.
Prediction
England have taken a lot of stick for the manner of their performances in the group and, while the whole nation will want to see more attacking intent, another pragmatic display is expected.
Just two goals scored in three matches in a concern for the Three Lions, especially when you look at the level of opponent faced, but they did look solid at the back with just one goal conceded.
They should not be overly tested by a Slovakia side that scored just one more than them in the groups and a nervous, low-scoring affair could be on the cards in Germany.
Slovakia will sit deep, trying to soak up pressure and while this may work for large periods, England should have the quality to create some openings and book their place in the next round.
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