Euro 2024 Round of 16 got underway with Switzerland knocking out Italy and Germany seeing off the challenge from Denmark.
Two more teams will book their spot in the next round tonight as England play Slovakia and Spain face off against newcomers Georgia.
England vs Slovakia – Gelsenkirchen
Despite finishing top of Group C, the Three Lions had a lacklustre group stage scoring only 2 goals in three matches. They will now take on Slovakia in the Round of 16 on June 30 in Gelsenkirchen.
Slovakia qualified as one of the four best third-place teams across groups. They were part of a thrilling Group E where all four teams finished on four points.
Out of the previous 6 meetings between the two sides, The Three Lions have won 5. The two sides also met in the Euro 2016 when the game ended in a 0-0 draw.
Team News
Phil Foden has rejoined the squad in Germany after temporarily returning home following the birth of his child. Kobbie Mainoo is expected to start alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in midfield according to The Telegraph.
England fans are desperate to see Cole Palmer getting more game time and believe he may provide that extra bit of spark in the final third. It remains to be seen whether Gareth Southgate chooses to start him in the knockout games.
Slovakia have no injuries or suspensions from their last match and are expected to field the same eleven as their last group match.
Spain vs Georgia – Cologne
Euro 2024 is Gergia’s first Euro in their history and they have qualified for the knockout stage of the competition in their very first attempt.
After losing their opening match against Turkiye, Georgia drew their second game against the Czech Republic and famously defeated Portugal in their final group match.
They will now face high-flying Spain in the Round of 16 who finished with a 100% record in the group stage after 3 wins out of 3.
The two nations will meet in Cologne tonight.
Spain and Georgia have played 7 times against each other with Spain winning 6 and Georgia winning 1.
Team News
A muscle injury has kept former Real Madrid star Nacho on the sidelines for the last two matches and he will be a doubt for this evening’s game against Georgia.
Rodri is back after a one game suspension and will be once again present in the heart of Spain’s midfield.
Georgia will be without Anzor Mekvabishvili who is suspended for the match against Spain.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
