England managed a thrilling comeback from one goal down in this Euro 2024 qualifier against Slovakia to earn a thrilling 2-1 victory and secure Gareth Southgate’s side a place at Euro 2024 finals. Jude Bellingham’s stunning overhead kick levelled things up late into extra time for Southgate’s men.
Opta provides all of the statistics to understand why England had difficulty turning possession into goals. For more in-depth analysis, you can explore the stats from the England national football team vs Slovakia national football team stats, which reveal key insights into their match performances.
England
Football is an intensely tactical game that creates memorable moments; England and Slovakia’s national football teams have created an epic rivalry that has won fans over. This article delves into their head-to-head encounters to give fans insight into how both teams approach such crucial contests.
England’s recent win against Slovakia at Euro 2024 tournament wasn’t easy, but it secured them a quarter-final tie against Switzerland. Under Gareth Southgate’s leadership, his side had to come from behind at Gelsenkirchen; Jude Bellingham’s stoppage-time bicycle kick proving pivotal.
England and Slovakia have historically engaged in an intense rivalry, often producing thrilling matches full of goals and surprises. Each team favours different tactics when playing, such as possession-based tactics with high pressing from England while Slovakia rely more heavily on counterattacking.
Jude Bellingham saved England from an embarrassing exit at Euro 2024’s last-16 stage with one of the greatest goals ever seen, an overhead kick that kept England in contention until Harry Kane sealed an agonizing win with a late header from him.
England’s 2-1 victory against Slovakia at Veltins-Arena was an exciting contest that both teams found difficult to find an attacking spark during an uninspiring first half. Ivan Schranz gave Slovakia an unexpected lead through his finish, before England rallied in the second period with Phil Foden having an offside goal ruled out and Declan Rice hitting the post before Kyle Walker’s long throw was nodded on by Marc Guehi and Bellingham outwitted Dubravka with an incredible bicycle kick left him flat-footed!
Slovakia
Slovakia is a small country and their national football team only really became prominent following the dissolution of Czechoslovakia. Since then, however, they have made major tournaments and advanced to two World Cup last 16s with ease; their debut appearance saw them defeat reigning champion Italy to come third in their group!
Slovakia boasts an older squad than their European 2024 qualifiers required, averaging 30 in age for their players who took part. But some younger talent could come through for them in future: Leo Sauer from Feyenoord, Tomas Rigo from Banik Ostrava and Adam Obert from Cagliari are all promising choices for Slovakia.
Slovaks boast an excellent record against England, having won three out of six meetings against them and remaining undefeated since winning both away and home matches against them.
Slovakia are poised for success at Euro 2024 after showing impressive form in qualifying rounds, but their group can prove tricky; they will face England, Russia and Wales; with their opening match being played against Wales.
Slovakia have an experienced squad that should aid them at this tournament, but lack a real goal scoring threat; Marek Hamsik had been their main man up front; unfortunately he recently retired without being replaced with someone equally as experienced; Robert Bozenik may be their new main goal scorer; although after moving from Feyenoord to Boavista he fell off somewhat but has since found new energy through Boavista’s academy system.
Goals
England appeared destined for an early exit at Euro 2024 after Ivan Schranz put Slovakia ahead against their will in Gelsenkirchen, but late Jude Bellingham overhead kick and Harry Kane header saved Southgate’s side with extra time victories over Slovakia and Lithuania respectively.
The Three Lions started quickly, with Bukayo Saka and Kieran Trippier both creating space down the right side to force corners early on. While their second period proved more disjointed, Trippier did manage to drill in a low cross which just missed Ivan Toney as he pursued it.
Trippier sends in another corner, but Martin Dubravka easily deals with it. Next up was Marc Guehi taking a tumble after England attack which saw the referee call a foul against him and book Real Madrid midfielder in the book.
Kobbie Mainoo attempts a half-volley after receiving a long pass down the left flank, but his effort fails to trouble Pickford. Substitute Cole Palmer then adds some spark by breaking past two Slovakian defenders before shooting wide of its target.
Ivan Toney comes close with a header from a free-kick, but his shot flies straight at the keeper. Declan Rice takes his turn from 25 yards out but misses with another effort, the ball skimming off the surface before striking a post. With two minutes remaining in stoppage time and Ivan Toney going for goal with left-footed drive which should have done better, Umut Meler waves off a protest from Slovakia bench members expressing displeasure with award of penalty kick decision. Understandable anger but indefensible decision by officials to awarding spot kick.
Possession
Early shock of the tournament saw Belgium fall to Slovakia in Frankfurt and Domenico Tedesco suffer his maiden group stage defeat as manager. European champions Belgium led through Ivan Schranz’s goal after only seven minutes; however, their desire to overcome an early deficit forced them into long spells without possession and failing to create clear-cut chances.
Gareth Southgate must find ways of making England more fluid and cohesive if they want to advance from this group. Their lack of possession has had a detrimental effect on their attacks; too often relying on long balls directed towards Harry Kane who appeared lethargic throughout and like he was dragging his heels.
Add speed to England’s side, particularly on the right wing, where an absence of players capable of providing real outlets on this flank continues to stymy England’s attack – as demonstrated by Kobbie Mainoo, who offered no offensive thrust or link up play during this matchup.
Statsbomb published a 2016 piece showing that teams that were winning tend to attempt longer passes than losing teams; losing sides often attempted shorter touches instead. Although this does not provide an exact reflection of overall quality, it does give an idea of how a game was being played and whether possession could have played into its outcome. This table displays the percentage of passes longer than 10 metres attempted per match and those attempting five or more attempts per game that are bolded; this provides more reliable indication of team possession than just looking at pass completion rates alone.
Cards
England and Slovakia share a long, competitive history that’s produced some memorable matches – featuring memorable moments and tactical battles. Understanding this rivalry’s history can help predict future outcomes as well as identify what makes this matchup so intriguing.
Jude Bellingham stepped up big when England needed one against Slovakia at Euro 2024’s last 16 stage, producing a stoppage-time bicycle kick to spare England an embarrassing exit in Gelsenkirchen and secure their place in the next round.
The England-Slovakia rivalry is marked by tight scorelines and intense tactical battles, with both teams capable of scoring goals and winning games, yet both struggle to convert possession into points on an consistent basis. Both sides possess exceptional defensive capabilities; to increase its chances of success, England should focus on streamlining transitions into attack as well as increasing quality set-piece play.
England had the upper hand in possession, yet struggled to convert their possession into clear scoring opportunities. Their 13 shots created an expected goals (xG) total of 1.09; Slovakia managed only 0.99 from their 26 shots taken.
Slovakia was unable to take advantage of their defensive strength to score on any of their six attempts on goal and failed to produce dangerous crosses from deep, which significantly diminished their performance. If Slovakia want any chance against Germany in the final, they will need to improve ball movement and attack from wide areas if they want a chance at victory; these teams had previously played to a scoreless tie before England took control and have won most subsequent meetings since.
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