After an underwhelming string of group-stage games, England has officially advanced to the round of 16. Even with its star-studded roster, the Three Lions’ has only scored two goals through three group-stage games. Fans were particularly angry after the 0-0 draw with Slovenia, even throwing cups of beer at manager Gareth Southgate.
Despite England’s lacklustre play, the Three Lions found themselves on top of group C and ready to play a crucial game against Slovakia. Though England is the betting favorite, this game will be a true test to see if the Three Lions can play to their full potential. Here are some key points to consider going into this do-or-die game.
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Kobbie Mainoo Likely to Start for England
19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo has proven his worth to England in the Euro, giving the Three Lions solid minutes every time he steps on the field. The Manchester United midfielder came in as a half-time substitute against Slovenia and was a main factor in England’s improved play in the second period.
Southgate has yet to find the right combination of personnel at midfield, experimenting with players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Gallagher, and Declan Rice. Should Mainoo start against Slovakia, Southgate hopes he can give England a much-needed boost of energy and freshness. Though the next game would only be Mainoo’s sixth international cap, the young player could be the solution to England’s midfield woes.
Can Jude Bellingham Return to Form?
Just recently, Bellingham helped lead Real Madrid to a Champions League title. Following this, Bellingham was regarded as the favorite to win the Ballon d’Or, tallying 24 goals and 13 assists in 45 games.
However, after scoring England’s lone goal against Serbia in their opening match of the Euro, the 21-year-old phenom has been relatively quiet since then. Bellingham hasn’t scored a goal since the first game and has contributed little in England’s other group-stage matches against Denmark and Slovenia.
After a scoreless game against Slovenia, which ended in a 0-0 draw, Bellingham said he was “absolutely dead.” This isn’t something manager Southgate or England fans want to hear, especially heading into the round of 16. However, Southgate has no worries about Bellingham’s fitness.
“I am not concerned about Jude Bellingham’s condition. His birthday was a big day for him and a reminder of how well he deals with the expectation around him at a remarkably young age.”
England Captain Harry Kane assured people Bellingham is ready for the moment.
Kane told BBC Radio 5 Live that “there is no need to panic…we are both ready. I know Jude is ready to get back out there tomorrow and show the world what he has been showing all season.”
If Bellingham is focused and aggressive against Slovakia, England will be a tough team to beat.
Getting the Most Out of Phil Foden
After starting each of England’s three matches at the Euro, Foden briefly left the tournament to welcome the birth of his third child. Having returned to the team, Foden is set to play in the upcoming match against Slovakia.
However, many believe Southgate needs to utilize Foden properly, and he must change positions to achieve his full potential.
The Manchester City Midfielder is most comfortable as a right-winger but has been starting games on the left flank. In the match against Slovenia, Foden primarily cut inside from the flank with the ball on his left foot rather than his right, demonstrating his natural preference.
This past season with Manchester City, the 24-year-old scored 13 goals in 15 appearances as an attacking midfielder. Shifting Foden to the right wing could help boost England’s offense, which has been lacking all tournament.
