GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany (AP) — England faces Slovakia in the round of 16 of Euro 2024 on Sunday after heavy criticism for their performances in the group stage. Even so, the runner-up from the edition three years ago remains undefeated and was left out of the side of the bracket that includes France, Spain, Germany and Portugal. The match starts at 1900GMT in Gelsenkirchen. Here’s what you need to know:
FACTS
—England advanced to the knockout phase as winners of their group and without losing their three games, but the fans were upset with Tuesday’s performance against Slovenia and booed the players at the end of the match and even threw glasses of beer at the coach Gareth Southgate.
—This is Southgate’s fourth major tournament as head of England and he has always been able to take his team to the quarterfinals.
—Slovakia is making its second appearance in the Euro 2016 knockout stages as an independent nation, having only advanced to this stage in 2016. It has never been able to win at this stage.
—Under coach Francesco Calzona, Slovakia pulled off one of the surprises of the tournament by beating Belgium 1-0 in their opening game.
NEWS
—Phil Foden is back in the squad after returning home for the birth of his son. Luke Shaw could feature in the tournament following his hamstring injury and Southgate is reported to be considering teenager Kobbie Mainoo as a starter in midfield.
NUMBERS
—Harry Kane continues to extend his record with the national team by scoring his 64th international goal against Denmark.
—England has not lost in six matches against Slovakia, with five wins and one draw.
—If they play, Juraj Kucka and Peter Pekarík will extend their record-extending 11th appearance for Slovakia at the Euros.
