UEFA Euro 2024: Is England vs Slovenia on TV? kick-off, team news, predictions & where to watch
Having already secured a spot in the last 16 of Euro 2024, England will wrap up their Group C campaign on Tuesday night against Slovenia at the Cologne Stadium.
Gareth Southgate’s team has gathered four points from a possible six, though they have yet to impress fully. In contrast, their upcoming opponents, Slovenia, are still seeking their first-ever win at a European Championship finals.
25/06/2024 – UEFA European Championship – (Group Stage – Group C)
Venue: Cologne Stadium
Kick-off: 8 pm
Where to watch? Live on ITV – and stream via ITVX for free.
England vs Slovenia: Euro 2024 Group C Showdown
One notable contrast emerged between England’s Group C opener against Serbia and their clash with Denmark on June 20. While the Three Lions managed to hold onto their lead by sitting back against Serbia, their passive approach didn’t pay off a second time.
Under the closed roof of the Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Harry Kane scored in his fourth consecutive major tournament for England. However, a disjointed performance from the team allowed Denmark to equalise with a stunning 25-yard strike from Morten Hjulmand later in the first half.
Much like in their narrow win over Serbia, only the woodwork – or more precisely, Phil Foden – prevented England from securing a second goal. Southgate’s squad appeared lethargic and uncertain, lacking the cohesion expected from a top-tier team. Even captain Kane acknowledged the team’s confusion about pressing the opposition. Despite these concerns, England have already secured a spot in the last 16.
Monday evening’s results ensured England’s progression to the knockout rounds. Albania’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in Group B confirmed that Southgate’s men will at least advance as one of the four best third-placed teams.
A win against Slovenia or a Denmark failure to beat Serbia will guarantee England the top spot in Group C, avoiding a potential early clash with Germany. Even if things go awry, England’s high points total should secure their advancement. Additionally, England could remain unbeaten in the group stage for the fourth consecutive European Championship, having not lost a final group match since a 3-2 defeat to Romania at Euro 2000.
England’s modest record of two wins from seven matches gives Slovenia a reason for optimism heading into Tuesday’s crucial match. The Slovenians are aiming to secure their first-ever win at the Euros in their sixth attempt.
Matjaz Kek’s team came close during their matchday two encounters with Serbia. Right-back Zan Karnicnik’s late goal seemed to secure victory, only for Luka Jovic to equalise in the fifth minute of added time, breaking Slovenian hearts.
After a late equaliser against Denmark in their opening game, Slovenia sit third in the standings, level with Denmark on all metrics. A win in Cologne will see them through to the knockout stages.
Remarkably, all four positions in the group are still possible for Slovenia, who have not been beaten in their last eight matches, the last three of which ended 1-1. They haven’t failed to score in over a year, with their last blank coming 14 games ago against Finland.
Historically, Slovenia have struggled against England, losing five of their six previous encounters, including a 1-0 defeat at the 2010 World Cup that saw England advance to the last 16. Additionally, Slovenia holds the unfortunate record of playing the most matches at the European Championships without a win, with four draws and one loss – to England – marking their streak.
Tuesday’s match promises to be a thrilling conclusion to Group C, with both teams eager to secure to win the group.
Team News
‘Trent expected to be benched’
Southgate largely avoided harsh criticism for his squad selection for the Euros this time around, but his decision to include an injured Luke Shaw has proven to be a misstep. Shaw, despite returning to full training, is still not ready for a competitive return. He is expected to be the only forced absentee for the Three Lions, and fans are calling for Southgate to make changes to his lineup – calls that Southgate should heed this time.
Many feel the experiment of playing Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield hasn’t worked out, leading to reports that Conor Gallagher – though one booking away from a suspension – will be reintroduced to the starting XI. Alternatively, Jude Bellingham might drop into a deeper role alongside Declan Rice, allowing Phil Foden to play centrally and giving Anthony Gordon or Eberechi Eze a chance on the left.
Kieran Trippier has recovered from a calf concern, and although Jordan Pickford appeared to injure his shoulder in training on Monday, he is expected to be fit to play.
‘Oblak missed training for unexplained reasons’
For Slovenia, there was a brief scare over star attacker Benjamin Sesko, who left the Serbia match early due to muscle cramps. However, he has been training normally and should be ready to lead the attack. On the other hand, esteemed goalkeeper Jan Oblak missed training on Saturday for unexplained reasons, while midfielders Timi Max Elsnik and Adam Gnezda Cerin have also been dealing with fitness issues since matchday two, casting doubt on their availability.
Despite these concerns, it would be surprising not to see Oblak, who made crucial saves against Serbia, in goal. Jon Gorenc Stankovic is a potential midfield replacement if Elsnik or Cerin are not fit to start, though both have returned to full training recently.
Where to watch?
The match is set for kick-off at 8 pm BST on Tuesday 25 June at the Cologne Stadium stadium.
This match will be broadcast live on ITV and streamed on ITVX for free.
Predicted line-ups
ENG – Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Gallagher, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Foden; Kane
SLO – Oblak; Karnicnik, Brekalo, Bijol, Janza; Mlakar, Elsnik, Cerin, Stojanovic; Sporar, Sesko
Predictions
The form book undeniably favours Slovenia over England for Tuesday’s critical clash – words that we did not anticipate muttering before the tournament – and breaking down the Oblak-marshalled defence should prove to be a tall order for Southgate’s exhausted crop. However, as was the case in South Africa 14 years ago, a solitary strike should be enough to propel the tepid Three Lions into the last 16 as group winners, albeit while inspiring little confidence for the games ahead. England 1-0 Slovenia – (sportsmole)
On paper, England should have no trouble dispatching a Slovenia side who are only impressed in brief flashes. But the same can also be said about the Three Lions, who have underwhelmed across their opening two games. With changes to the side, England should still have enough about them to see off Slovenia, but Benjamin Sesko has shown enough to prove a handful. England to win, 2-1. – (ES)
England have been utterly drab with the ball thus far but have been stout enough to limit their opponents in terms of high-quality chances as well. And while Slovenia boast a blossoming superstar up top in Sesko, they’re not a side that’s going to create at will against this England team.
The Three Lions should have much of the contest against a team that will sit narrow and compact in a well-drilled 4-4-2 mid-block with the aim of stifling England’s build-up and limiting their progression routes into the likes of Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham. There’s scope for England to produce another drab performance given Slovenia’s set-up, but Southgate’s second-half changes should make the difference. They’ve got to stretch the pitch in Cologne and test their opponents out wide. England 1-0 Slovenia – (90MIN)
