ENGLAND fans will want a reaction from their team after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Denmark.
The Three Lions received a lot of criticism after losing a 1-0 lead and retreating into their own half for much of the second group game.
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They can still secure top spot with a win over Slovenia in their final Group C match.
However, it threatens to be another challenging game for Gareth Southgate’s men.
Slovenia did not lose either of their first two games, despite being the lowest-ranked team in this group.
They came from behind to draw 1-1 with Denmark, before being denied a first victory of the tournament in stoppage time as they drew another 1-1 to Serbia.
A victory for Slovenia would see them overtake England and secure their place in the knockout stages.
But it is strongly believed that Southgate will at least fix his starting line-up for the next game.
What these changes are remains to be seen.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of England’s clash with Slovenia.
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Slovenia Euro 2024 Guide
BALKAN SCOTLAND – Slovenia have qualified for three tournaments since independence in 1990 but have never reached the knockout stage.
However, striker Benjamin Sesko is seen as the next Erling Haaland and gives the Slovenians reason to be more optimistic this time.
MANAGER: Matjaz Kek
In his second spell as coach and in charge since 2018 – he only lost two qualifying games, despite having to overcome the death of his father.
STAR MAN: Jan Oblak
The Slovenians will hope that Sesko can score goals at one end, while Oblak, one of the best goalkeepers in the world, can keep them at bay at the other.
How Slovenia attacks
Slovenia will be one of the few teams at the Euros to play 4-4-2, with Sesko partnering former Middlesbrough striker Andraz Sporar in attack.
When Slovenia attack, the two wingers will come in to play as makeshift attacking midfielders in the front four. They are also dangerous on the counterattack.
How Slovenia defends
Slovenia will play on two benches of four and sit back to deny their opponent space.
They will not go out of their way to be pressured under almost any circumstances.
Read the full Slovenia Euro 2024 guide including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags
England Euro 2024 Guide
GARETH SOUTHGATE is under no illusions going into this competition – it’s make or break.
The Three Lions have never had a better opportunity to end their 58-year wait for a major international trophy, given the talent and experience they have in their arsenal.
MANAGER: Gareth Southgate
The former England star came closer than anyone since Sir Alf Ramsey to ending the Three Lions’ trophy mess.
Southgate is aware of what the nations expect and has even suggested he will quit if he fails to reach the European Championship.
STAR MAN: Jude Bellingham
The Real Madrid star is arguably the best player in the world at the moment and gives England the platform they need to dominate big games.
How England attacks
England will try to dominate the ball against almost everyone.
Declan Rice is crucial to advancing the ball, Bellingham, Saka and Foden will rotate to get defenders out of position and Kane can score and drop deep to give others chances.
How England defends
England press man to man with the midfield rising to support Kane when the ball is lost and try to win it as close to the opposition goal as possible.
However, the left-back position could be a cause for concern, especially with Luke Shaw entering the tournament with fitness problems.
Read the full England Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags.
What is their shape like?
Slovenia has been growing steadily, with consecutive draws in their first two games.
They were widely tipped to finish bottom of Group C at the start of the tournament, but go into the final round level on points with second-placed Denmark.
Slovenia excelled in the latter stages of their clash with the Danes, but then conceded a late equalizer against Serbia.
England started positively in the first game, opening up a lead over Serbia, but then retreated and limped past the line.
Against Denmark, many Three Lions fans were worried as they lost their lead to draw 1-1 and were behind for much of the game.
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What’s new with the team and any injuries to worry about?
Slovenia have fielded the same starting lineup in each of their two games so far.
They have no injury concerns ahead of Tuesday’s clash.
Southgate is expected to change the XI that lined up against Serbia and Denmark.
Trent Alexander-Arnold looks set to be replaced in midfield by Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo or Adam Wharton.
There is also the possibility of Jude Bellingham taking over the number 8 role and Phil Foden becoming the number 10.
If that is the case, Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze will be vying for the position on the left flank.
Depending on Luke Shaw’s fitness, he could also replace Kieran Trippier at left-back.
Who will be the star men?
Benjamin Sesko has been a crucial player for Slovenia at the Euros.
The 21-year-old RB Leipzig striker came through the bottom third for his country as the talented striker who piqued Arsenal’s interest.
England will hope it is not just a matter of time before they score their first goal of the tournament.
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Jude Bellingham
Bellingham has had two up-and-down games at the Euros.
The 20-year-old Real Madrid star was brilliant in the win over Serbia but then drew criticism for his performance against Denmark.
Many fans are calling for him to take the number 8 role in the game against Slovenia.
In any case, your contribution will be fundamental.
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What did the managers say?
Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek believes all the pressure is on England ahead of this game.
He said: “England are the favourites, clearly. But the Danes and the Serbs were also favorites against us.
“We have one more game to go. We have to focus all our thoughts on England.”
England manager Southgate pulled no punches in his assessment of England’s performance against Denmark.
He said: “We didn’t press the ball with our intensity and we kept conceding possession very cheaply and when you do those two things it’s difficult to have control of the game.
“This led to an eager performance as the game progressed and we understand that this has to be better if we are to progress to the stages of the tournament that everyone is hoping for and deliver what we need to deliver.”
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SunSport Prediction
Slovenia 0-2 England
When is England v Slovenia?
- England v Slovenia will take place on Tuesday 25th June.
- The game will start at 8pm BST.
- The RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, Germany, will host the big clash.
What is the channel and can it be broadcast live?
- England’s clash with Slovenia will be shown live on ITV HD in the UK.
- You can stream the action live from ITV X, which is available to download on your phone or tablet.
Can I watch for FREE?
- Yes, you can watch the game for FREE on ITV1 as long as you have a valid TV license.
Chances
- England – 1/3
- Draw – 2/9
- Slovenia – 1/10
*Odds courtesy of William Colina and correct at the time of publication.
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