After two matches, Group C still cannot determine which teams will officially advance. Therefore, the England team, despite having 4 points, still needs a good result against Slovenia to secure their top spot in the group, and more importantly, to meet the expectations of the fans after 2 extremely disappointing performances by the stars in the lineup.
Expert analysis of England vs Slovenia
Despite being considered the strongest team in the group, the perceptions of the England team so far revolve around 2 disappointing words. Looking at the result of 1 win and 1 draw may not seem too bad, but the key issue lies in the lackluster playing style of coach Gareth Southgate that is causing frustration among the experts. The minimal win against Serbia is not a big problem, but the lucky draw against Denmark is truly a red alert. However, if we look at the Three Lions in recent major tournaments, their unimpressive performance in the group stage is not unfamiliar. In EURO 2020, they only scored a mere 2 goals in 3 group stage matches and still made it to the final, so let’s not overestimate the true strength of the team from the land of fog.
In the final group stage match against Slovenia, the England team is likely to continue playing as lackluster as in the previous 2 matches. With 4 points and a 99% chance of advancing, coach Gareth Southgate may see this as an opportunity to experiment with new factors, especially Anthony Gordon or Cole Palmer, before his players enter the real knockout matches. For Slovenia, things are not that simple. They must earn points against England to hope for a ticket to the next round, 1 point will be 50/50 but if they get a full 3 points, coach Matjaz Kek’s team will certainly proudly advance to the top of the group. However, despite having a habit of playing quite “lackluster” in the group stage, the England team will not be an easy obstacle for Slovenia to defeat. The Three Lions are under a lot of pressure from the experts and the fans, they understand that only an impressive result against Slovenia can ease the current situation.
Overview of the head-to-head record of England vs Slovenia
Throughout history, at any given time, Slovenia has never been considered on par or close to the England team. The Three Lions dominate the recent head-to-head record with 4 out of 5 wins and 1 draw. However, most of England’s wins against the opponent from the Mediterranean region have been quite tight, showing the constant discomfort of the Slovenia players. After 2 matches using the same starting 11, perhaps coach Gareth Southgate will make some changes, although not too many. Some “stalwart” names like Pickford, Stones, Bellingham, or Harry Kane are unlikely to be left out, they will play a role in maintaining the pace of play on the field when combined with new names who may be given the opportunity, such as Mainoo, Gordon, Palmer.
Carrying the obligation to win, Slovenia will unleash everything they have in their hands. The two brightest stars of coach Matjaz Kek, Jan Oblak in goal and Benjamin Sesko in the highest position in the attacking line, will lead at both ends of the field.
- Total goals under: The England team under Gareth Southgate has never had a habit of winning by a large margin, and this match is no exception. It will continue to be a pragmatic game in which the Three Lions do not score many goals, but it is not simple for Slovenia to breach their defense.
- Slovenia +1.5: England vs Slovenia odds, it’s surprising that the bookmakers have set a handicap of -1.5 for the England team despite their poor attacking form. According to experts’ analysis from Euro betting guide, England will continue to aim for a gentle victory just enough to end the group stage.
- Both teams to score – No: Despite disappointment with England’s playing style, their defensive bright spots need to be acknowledged. Gareth Southgate’s squad has only conceded 1 goal in 2 matches, and it came from an incredible long-range shot. This will be a huge obstacle for Sesko and his teammates if they want to find the net of Jordan Pickford.
Information about the England vs Slovenia squad situation
England: Luke Shaw is absent due to injury Slovenia has their best squad available
Predicted line-up for the England vs Slovenia match
- England (4-2-3-1): Pickford, Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier, Rice, Mainoo, Bellingham, Gordon, Palmer, Kane
- Slovenia (4-4-2): Oblak, Karnicnik, Drkusic, Bijol, Janza, Stojanovic, Cerin, Elsnik, Mlakar, Sporar, Sesko.
England vs Slovenia match prediction: 1 – 0
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