DPA
Gelsenkirchen (Germany)
Slovakia coach Francesco Calzona fears England will finally get their act together in Sunday’s Euro 2024 last-16 clash.
Gareth Southgate’s side came into the tournament as favourites but a dour group stage with just one win and two goals scored has dampened the mood among Three Lions fans.
Calzona is staying wary though given the quality in England’s squad.
“When England do give great performances as a group, they will be unbeatable. We need to be very careful, they have one of the best squads here, they have physicality, technique,” he told a news conference on Saturday.
“They left some top-class players at home because they have so much quality to choose from. We need to take advantage of their weak points, but we have to be cautious because they can hurt you at any moment.”
The game in Gelsenkirchen is only Slovakia’s second knock-out match at a Euros since splitting with the Czech Republic. But the coach feels his team can still spring a surprise.
“I’m lucky because I have a very focused team who want to play offensive football, but we also want to be defensively sound. In a match like this, you need to be focused on the details. I trust my players 100% and they’re going to play a great match,” he said.
“We have our own style of play and our own mentality. We will make some adjustments, but nothing dramatic. We will keep playing our own style of football.”
Shaw not ready to
start for England
Gareth Southgate says Luke Shaw is not ready to start for England but might still be able to feature in the Euro 2024 last-16 clash against Slovakia.
The Euro 2020 finalists return to the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen as they get their knockout phase under way on Sunday.
All 26 players trained at their Blankenhain base on Saturday lunchtime, including Shaw as he looks to make his first appearance since sustaining a hamstring issue in mid-February.
Kieran Trippier was also involved following a report the full-back had been a doubt for Sunday due to a calf complaint, as was Phil Foden after returning to the UK this week for the birth of his third child.
England boss Southgate said: “Luke wouldn’t be available to start. But we’ll have a chat with the medical team to see whether he can play a part or whether he could do with a little bit more training first.”
Asked about Foden, Trippier and the rest of his 26-man squad, Southgate said: “Yep, all good.”
England’s full squad earlier took part in final training.
Trippier was also involved following a report that the full back was a doubt to face Slovakia on Sunday due to a calf complaint.
