By Seyi Babalola
England and Slovenia will meet to end their UEFA Euro 2024 Group C campaign on Tuesday, June 25, by 8pm.
Following a tight opening victory over Serbia, England struggled against Denmark and may have been fortunate to depart Frankfurt with a point.
Nonetheless, Gareth Southgate’s team is in a solid position to advance to the round of 16.
The Three Lions will have a stiff test against Slovenia, who have gone undefeated in their past eight matches, including friendlies, and have drew both of their games in this tournament against Denmark and Serbia.
Luka Jović scored an equalizer in the 95th minute, preventing them from winning.
England will advance to the round of 16 if they avoid a loss against Slovenia and Denmark does not overcome Serbia.
England will top the group if they defeat Slovenia or draw, and Denmark does not win.
If England draws and Denmark wins, they will be tied for top and second position based on overall goal difference, total goals scored, disciplinary points, and European Qualifiers rankings. England cannot finish lower than third.
Slovenia will advance to the round of 16, should they overcome England. Slovenia will top the group if they win and Denmark does not.
If Slovenia and Denmark both win, they will be separated for first and second place according to the criteria given above, as will second and third place if they both draw, third and fourth place if they both lose, and Slovenia and Serbia for third or fourth place if Slovenia loses but Serbia draws.
Speaking ahead of the match, Gareth Southgate, England coach said: “It’s been good to have some time since the last game. We’ve been able to have more meetings and training time, but also talk with the players about the state of play at the moment: where we are, where our performances are and we’re all working together to try to improve that.
“We’ve got huge motivation. We haven’t played the way we want to yet and we have the opportunity to win the group. That could be very important. Our motivation level is never in doubt, especially not for this game.”
In the same vein, Matjaž Kek, Slovenia coach shared: “We are still masters of our destiny, with all due respect to England, who are an outstanding team. This will be the biggest challenge for this generation of players.
“But I am sure it will not be the last. We have calmed the nerves after Serbia, we have analysed the positives and negatives from that match. We are ready.”
The match will be broadcast on GOtv and DStv—on GOtv channel 61 and DStv channels 222 and 225, respectively—at 8 p.m.
Possible line-ups
England: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guéhi, Trippier; Gallagher, Bellingham, Rice; Foden, Kane, Saka
Misses next match if booked: Gallagher
Slovenia: Oblak; Karničnik, Drkušić, Bijol, Janža; Stojanović, Elšnik, Gnezda Čerin, Mlakar; Šporar, Šeško
Misses next match if booked: Celar, Janža, Stojanović, Vipotnik.
