Yahoo Sports England must learn from Belgium’s mistakes when facing Slovakia
After their 1-1 draw with Romania in Group E, Slovakia made it through to the Round of 16 as one of the third best sides at Euro 2024. Their reward is a clash with one of the favourites in England, a tie that will see them as massive underdogs. However, they can certainly take inspiration from their opening day win over Belgium.
The similarities between Belgium and England are pretty stark so far this tournament. Players with plenty of talent for chance creation are not performing, with the sides looking slow and lethargic. Slovakia took advantage of that in their only win so far this tournament, and England must be wary of making the same mistakes that Belgium did. In defence, Slovakia have talent but they are also a threat going forward. Sparta Prague winger Lukas Haraslin has been a threat out wide, while in midfield the likes of Ondrej Duda and Stanislav Lobotka should not be underestimated. Ivan Schranz has also been in great form so far with two goals, including the winner against Belgium.
However, Belgium had plenty of chances in that game to draw level and win, they just couldn’t take them. England have struggled to make any chances so far this tournament, and in a knock-out game the spaces will be even tighter as Slovakia look to sit deep and counter. The Slovakian side pounced on a mistake from Belgium to score the only goal of the game, and they will be looking to be efficient and clinical with any rare chances they get against the Three Lions.
England should have enough to get over the line against Slovakia, but on paper at least they are a better side that Slovenia. Belgium’s loss to Slovakia is what cost them winning the group and means that they now have to face France in their Round of 16 clash.
