English Woman's Journal - Under-par England boast 'best squad at Euros' warns Slovakia coach

Under-par England boast 'best squad at Euros' warns Slovakia coach


Under-par England boast 'best squad at Euros' warns Slovakia coach
Under-par England boast 'best squad at Euros' warns Slovakia coach / Photo: Adrian DENNIS, INA FASSBENDER - AFP

Slovakia coach Francesco Calzona believes England possess the best squad at Euro 2024, ahead of their last 16 meeting on Sunday, despite the Three Lions stuttering form in Germany.

Change text size:

Gareth Southgate's men topped Group C despite scoring just two goals as a 1-0 win over Serbia was followed by draws against Denmark and Slovenia.

England have received stinging criticism back home as their performances have failed to live up to the tag of pre-tournament favourites.

However, Calzona claimed they will be "unbeatable" should their star players such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden finally click as a unit.

"When England give great performances as a group they will be unbeatable," said the Italian at his pre-match press conference.

"We need to be careful because they have a top quality squad, for me they the best squad at the Euros because they have physicality, technique and creativity.

"They left important players at home because they have so much quality to pick from.

"We need to make the most of their weak points and concessions, but we also need to be cautious because this is a team that can punish you at any moment."

Slovakia beat Belgium 1-0 in their opening game before a 1-1 draw with Romania was enough to secure their progress as one of the four best third-placed sides.

Should they beat the odds again, Slovakia would make history by making the quarter-finals of a major tournament for the first time as an independent nation.

Veteran defender Peter Pekarik said his side have belief they can cause a major upset, but echoed his manager's words over the threat caused by England.

"We do not pay much attention to the criticism from the media or fans," said the 37-year-old.

"I named England as one of the top favourites to win the tournament. Maybe one slip-up in the game and you can be punished so we need to be focused on ourselves.

"The mistakes we made in the previous games we cannot make tomorrow because they will punish us."

O.Jonstone--EWJ

Featured

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Virginia overwhelms Arkansas 91-72 behind balanced scoring

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thijs De Ridder scored 16 points, one of five players in double figures for No. 9 Virginia as the Cavaliers routed No.

Change text size: