Euro 2024 Betting Preview: England vs Slovakia Tips

(Featured image: Alamy Images)

Written by: Bradley Walker

Tournament favourites England return to action as they face Slovakia in the last 16 at Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday evening.

Check out our best bets and match previews below and over on our YouTube channel.

England vs Slovakia Betting Odds

Match Winner

England 4/9

Draw 7/2

Slovakia 9/1

Both Teams to Score

No 7/12

Yes 6/4

First Goalscorer

Harry Kane 10/3

Ivan Toney 15/4

Ollie Watkins 9/2

Cole Palmer 6/1

Jarrod Bowen 13/2

*Best UK prices as of 10AM 27/06/2024

Above: Ondrej Duda's goal secured a vital point for Slovakia against Romania. (Photo Credit: Alamy Images)

England vs Slovakia Team News

England attacking midfielder Phil Foden has temporarily left camp due to the birth of his third child, but should return in time for Sunday's match. Manager Gareth Southgate has no pressing injury concerns to deal with at the time of writing.

Predicted XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Rice, Mainoo; Saka, Bellingham, Foden; Kane

Slovakia also have a full squad to choose from ahead of their meeting with the tournament favourites. Francesco Calzona opted to start David Strelec up top during the 1-1 draw with Romania but could return Robert Bozenik to the lineup in Gelsenkirchen. 

Predicted XI: Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Kucka, Lobotka, Duda; Schranz, Bozenik, Haraslin

Above: England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo impressed in his second half showing against Slovenia on Tuesday. (Photo Credit: Alamy Images)

England vs Slovakia Analysis and Predictions

England may have gone unbeaten on their way to topping Group C but to say they flattered to deceive would be an understatement. Despite the attacking depth at Southgate's disposal, the Three Lions averaged a measly 0.73 expected goals (xG) across their three outings, registering just two goals in the process. 

Nevertheless, Southgate will have been encouraged by their defensive efforts, which saw them register two clean sheets and average an impressive 0.38 expected goals against (xGA). The introduction of the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer looked to breathe new life into the side during the drab 0-0 with Slovenia, but whether they will be rewarded with a start here remains to be seen. 

Slovakia, meanwhile, will be delighted to reach the knockout stages of a European Championship for just the second time as an independent country. Calzona's men rode their luck during a stunning 1-0 victory over Belgium on matchday one but, following a recent draw with Romania, were rewarded with a place among the last 16 as one of the four-best third-ranked sides.

Despite England's uninspiring performances thus far, they remain favourites to win the tournament after finding themselves on the favourable side of the draw. Southgate's men come up against a resolute Slovakia side here, though, and we expect England to huff and puff before eventually grinding Calzona's men down in the second half. 

England vs Slovakia - OddsNow's Best Bets

Half-Time/Full-Time - Draw/England @ 33/10 (General) - 2pts