England predicted lineup for Slovakia clash in Euro 2024 Round of 16

The Three Lions will hope to recover from their slack group stage performances.

England’s actual Euro 2024 test can finally start in the knockout stage after an incredibly boring group stage campaign. Still, Slovakia, who are ranked 40 places lower in FIFA ranking than them and who have never won the knockout stage at a major competition, could not have been an easier opposition in the last 16.

With no margin for mistake, Gareth Southgate’s side must start scoring frequent goals. After all, a further tie would expose them to a penalty shootout. Thankfully, Southgate has a plethora of options in his squad to select attacking players in an attempt to turn around his rusty team.

England predicted lineup (Formation: 4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford

With only one shot on target to face against Serbia and Slovenia, the goalie has had a rather quiet campaign. Even though he was kept busier against Denmark, Marton Hjulmand’s brilliant equaliser was hardly his fault. Jordan Pickford retains his spot for the opening knockout match with ease.

Right-Back: Kyle Walker

Kyle Walker‘s club form carried over to the Euros, where he masterfully marshalled the defence and assisted England in scoring both of their goals. He remains the first choice even with England‘s other great right-back options.

Centre-Back: John Stones

With cautious positioning and no daring rushes forward, Stones has returned to his previous position as a centre-back first and foremost. However, that is what Southgate is asking of him, and at this point, there is no justification for leaving him off the squad.

Also read: England vs Slovakia Predicted lineup, betting tips, odds, injury news, H2H, telecast | UEFA Euro 2024

Centre-Back: Marc Guehi

After Harry Maguire’s departure, the Crystal Palace defender has been perhaps England’s most reliable player in Germany, continuing his great experience. On the court, he consistently demonstrates bravery and composure while also anticipating danger and acting quickly to avoid it.

Left-Back: Luke Shaw

To win their first major championship since 1966, Southgate may be able to reenergize the team with Shaw’s possible comeback. Southgate hopes that Luke Shaw can start or at least make an appearance as a substitute.

Central Midfielder: Declan Rice

Although Rice has found it difficult to duplicate his stellar performance for England as he did in the 2023-24 season for Arsenal, he did contribute to England’s offence in the second half against Slovenia thanks to a stronger combination with Kobbie Mainoo. He is still the best candidate for the job but needs to do better.

Central Midfielder: Kobbie Mainoo

The Manchester United youngster’s incredible displays should have earned him at least one start throughout the competition. However, when he replaced Conor Gallagher at halftime against Slovenia, he drastically improved his side. This surely calls for inclusion from the start.

Also read: England vs Slovakia: All-time head-to-head record | Euro 2024

Right Winger: Cole Palmer

When he entered the game against Slovenia, the Chelsea forward gave the team some much-needed guile and inventiveness, and his audacity was just what the group needed to boost their morale. Palmer is capable of playing in a variety of forward positions, but he should be allowed to play in his preferred position after being benched for the first three games.

Attacking Midfielder: Jude Bellingham

Bellingham’s concerning decline after his brilliant display against Serbia has been accompanied by an improvement in Phil Foden’s play, highlighting the difficulty in lining up the two playmakers. However, the Real Madrid man should keep his spot in this Euro 2024 round of 16 clash.

Left Winger: Anthony Gordon

Given that Gordon is a conventional left winger and England has severely lacked balance on that side, he has been egregiously underutilised during the tournament following his stellar season with Newcastle United. Despite playing only one minute of the match plus stoppage time against Slovenia, he contributed to the creation of the team’s finest opportunity. He ought to be given the chance to demonstrate his abilities right away.

Striker: Harry Kane

Of every one of England’s players, Harry Kane has drawn the most criticism for his lack of mobility and back injury, which he sustained near the conclusion of the season. However, he is the guy you would prefer the ball to drop to in the box, and these adjustments should help England deliver the ball to him where it will kill opponents the most.

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