Monday Euro 2016 Slovakia vs England – preview

June 15, 2016 20:00pm – Stade Geoffroy Guichard, Saint-Etienne

Group B

Recent Form (all comps)

Slovakia: WLDWW

England: WDWWW

England will be hoping to preserve their 100% record against Slovakia when the sides meet in the final round of matches in Group A on Monday night.

The teams have only met on three previous occasions with England winning all of them. Their last meeting was a friendly match at Wembley in 2009 in which Wayne Rooney scored twice in a 4-0 win.

Prior to that, a Sven-Göran Eriksson-led England won 2-1 home and away when the teams were drawn in the same qualifying group for Euro 2004. The teams will also face in each in the forthcoming World Cup qualifying campaign that begins in September. Another win on Monday would ensure that the Three Lions finish in first place in Group A.

Slovakia are appearing in their first ever European Championship finals since gaining independence in 1993. As part of Czechoslovakia, they won the 1976 edition of the tournament and finished third in 1969 and 1980.

A win on Monday night would lift the Slovakians above England and secure their place in the last 16. A draw could also see them through if Russian win against Wales. However, they would be knocked out if they lose against England and Russia beat Wales.

Roy Hodgson’s had his second half substitutes to thank for the victory against Wales and may elect to play one or both of Jamie Vardy and Danial Sturridge from the start this time out. The only question would be who makes way, with Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana the obvious candidates. However, Lallana has been one of England’s brightest performers and a front three of Sturridge, Kane and Vardy may not provide the right balance in the new 4-3-3 formation that the England coach has adopted. Rumours have also suggested that Jack Wilshere could be in line for a start. Either way, all eyes will be on the team sheet come Monday evening.

Key Facts

• The teams have met just three times before with England winning all three.
• On the way to qualifying for this tournament, Slovakia ended Spain’s nine-year unbeaten run in qualifying matches.
• All three previous matches between the two sides produced over 2-5 goals.

Prediction

With four points on the board, England can be expected to play with a little less tension.

Daniel Sturridge looks to be in the right frame of mind to lead the front line and goals can be expected.

You can back over 2.5 goals at 13/10 and Sturridge to score anytime at 8/5 – both with Betfair.

Betfair is our recommended bookmaker for all your Euro 2016 bets.