England enter the last round matches in Group B of Euro 2016, sitting top of the group, on 4 points. The last gasp win over Wales, thanks to a goal from striker Daniel Sturridge, has placed England in a great position to qualify for the Round of 16. However, the hard work is far from over, as the final game sees England meet Slovakia.
Slovakia started with a disappointing defeat to Wales but performed to a much higher level in their 2-1 win over Russia. They were much better with the ball against Russia and looked good going forward. Whereas Wales were happy to just sit back and soak up pressure, Slovakia may look to pose more of a threat in attack and test the England defence.
That being said, England know they are almost through to the knockout stages and Roy Hodgson will be aiming to build on the confidence gained from the morale boosting win over Wales. However, the England manager clearly does not know his best starting XI or formation and this is a worry. Throwing on extra attackers worked against Wales, as they decided to sit back and offered nothing going forward. Slovakia should work the England defence more regularly and will be looking to test Joe Hart as often as possible, after seeing the England keeper concede from 30 yards against Wales.
England and Slovakia have scored and conceded goals in both their matches to date and this one has the makings of the same. England will certainly create chances and with Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge fresh from their goals against Wales, both should feature in this match. Slovakia will also have chances to score and with Marek Hamsik looking in fine form, the Napoli man will pose the greatest threat to the English goal. Both teams to score is Evens with Bet365.
If Slovakia do find the net, England will feel they have the fire power to outscore them and rightly so. With Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford, plus the threat of Wayne Rooney and Dele Alli, all adding to the presence of Vardy and Sturridge, England have goals throughout the squad. Slovakia may score a goal but England will come out on top and England to win, with both teams to score, is available at 10/3 with Bet365.
With the above in mind, it may develop in to another nervy night for England, which is unsurprising given the way things have gone so far at Euro 2016. Slovakia have the ability and now the confidence, to stay within touching distance of England throughout the match. They still have a chance to qualify for the Round of 16, giving them everything to play for. However, England have the superior quality, in the area of the pitch which will matter most in this game and that’s up-front. Slovakia will not be easy to beat but England will have enough to take maximum points and win Group B.
England to win 2-1, is on offer at 17/2 with Bet365.
