There’s been plenty of rumours about England’s XI tonight.
And according to social media, as well as some reports, the Three Lions’ starting line-up for this crunch clash has been ‘leaked’.
Gareth Southgate is not planning too many changes, with Kobbie Mainoo expected to start ahead of Conor Gallagher. The Manchester United midfield came on as a half-time substitute for the Chelsea star in the dire draw with Slovenia last Tuesday.
Let’s hope he makes an impact.
England take on Slovakia in the last-16 of Euro 2024 in Gelesenkirchen this evening, with a quarter-final clash against Switzerland the prize after they knocked out reigning champions Italy.
England are gearing up for their Euro 2024 last-16 clash against Slovakia, having reached the knockout phase despite a string of lacklustre performances.
A goalless draw with Slovenia in their last group game saw manager Gareth Southgate face some fan frustration, with some hurling bottles and cups in his direction at full-time in Cologne, and he will be hoping his side can put in a much improved performance against Slovakia.
A quarter-final match against Switzerland awaits the winner of tonight’s match after Murat Yakin’s side eliminated defending champions Italy, with goals from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas earning them a 2-0 win. Germany have also booked their place in the next round with a 2-0 win over Denmark, with Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala on target for the tournament hosts.
Spain will also be in action this evening as they take on Georgia in Cologne following England’s clash with Slovakia. Georgia come into the game full of confidence after beating Portugal 2-0 in their final group game, while Spain have been one of the standout performers so far this tournament.
England boss Gareth Southgate has confirmed Luke Shaw is still not fit enough to start as the Three Lions prepare to take on Slovakia in the Last 16 of Euro 2024.
Shaw has only been fit enough for the bench for the three group stage matches so far, with Kieran Trippier deputising at left-back. Fellow right-back Kyle Walker even shifted to the left when Trippier was subbed off in the goalless draw with Slovenia on Tuesday.
Manchester United star Shaw is the only left-back Southgate decided to name in his final squad for the tournament, a decision he has been fiercely criticised for. And the England boss has revealed that the 28-year-old remains an injury doubt.
” Luke Shaw is not available to start but everyone else is all good. We will have a chat with the medical staff to see whether he can play a part. We have to deliver it,” Southgate said.
Gareth Southgate has dismissed talk that the last-16 Euro 2024 showdown in Gelsenkirchen could be his last game as England manager.
Southgate had beer cups thrown at him by angry England fans and seemed almost downbeat after the dismal goalless draw against Slovenia in Cologne last Tuesday.
But the England manager was in a relaxed mood ahead of the do-or-die clash with Slovenia and believes his men have been rejuvenated by having a day off when they forget about the football.
Southgate said: “There’s definitely an excitement and a good feel around the group the last few days. It also coincided with being able to have a day off the training pitch and relaxing a little bit. A bit of golf. Stuff like that.
“It’s not always science. We’re surrounded by science and data in our world now, and sport is about joy and enjoyment. Sometimes in a tournament it’s all you’ve got to think about and you need other stuff to talk about and enjoy and focus on.
“A nice balance of thorough preparation for the game but also some time to switch off which I think is crucial for the young players and the staff as well.”
Curled from The Mirror
