England’s national football team is gearing up to face off against Slovenia in their final Group C match at the UEFA Euro 2024 European Football Championship. Despite facing criticism following a lackluster 1-1 draw with Denmark, England currently leads the group and only needs a draw to secure a spot in the round of 16. The match is scheduled to take place at 9 pm local time in Cologne.
In their opening game, England secured a 1-0 victory over Serbia. If England wins the group, they will face one of the best third-placed teams from Group D, E, or F in the knockout phase. Meanwhile, Slovenia enters the game with two points, knowing that they could finish either at the top or bottom of the group depending on the results. Slovenia has previously drawn against Denmark and Serbia in their other matches.
In terms of team news, England’s Luke Shaw remains unavailable due to a hamstring injury. Manager Gareth Southgate may opt to make changes in midfield, potentially bringing in Conor Gallagher to partner with Declan Rice. On the Slovenian side, coach Matjaz Kek mentioned that some players have undergone specialized individual training, and the availability of striker Benjamin Sesko remains uncertain.
England’s star striker Harry Kane extended his record with his 64th international goal against Denmark. On the other hand, Slovenia is participating in only their second Euros and is still in search of their first victory in the tournament. As the two teams prepare to face off, both sides have expressed their determination and readiness for the crucial match.
Southgate emphasized that England has yet to showcase their full potential in the tournament and is driven by the opportunity to win the group. Meanwhile, Slovenia midfielder Gorenc Stankovic acknowledged England’s capabilities but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to put up a strong performance. Coach Kek highlighted the importance of the match for Slovenia’s players, stating that they are prepared for the challenge ahead.
As the excitement builds for the England vs. Slovenia clash, both teams are focused on securing a positive result to advance in the competition. With tensions running high, fans can expect a thrilling showdown between these two European football powerhouses as they battle for supremacy on the field.