On Sunday in Gelsenkirchen, the Slovak captain Milan Skriniar emphasized unity as their strategy to triumph over England during their upcoming knockout clash.
England, despite topping Group C with a modest five points after tepid displays against Denmark and Slovenia, staggered into the round of 16.
On the flip side, Slovakia advanced as a high-ranking third-placed team, having clinched a draw against Romania on the final matchday, setting the stage for another significant clash with England in a major tournament.
Recognizing the superior individual skills in Gareth Southgate’s squad, Skriniar maintains belief in his team’s ability to spring a surprise through collective effort.
“They bank on singular prowess, aware of their match-winners,” Skriniar observed. “Hence, our collaborative spirit can definitely outmatch them.”
Post-game reactions in Cologne saw Southgate and his squad facing jeers from their own fans, ramping up the pressure on the English squad, a factor Skriniar thinks may tilt the scales in Slovakia’s favor.
“From their first victory against Serbia, they carried the heavy mantle of being the favored English team,” he noted. “The criticisms from media and fans have only magnified the pressure, an advantage for us.”
Yet, Skriniar asserts that Slovakia won’t merely defend but intends to be proactive. “The defensive game is crucial, from the strikers down,” he said.
“We must challenge them by playing our game and making it clear we are not just participants but contenders,” affirmed Skriniar.
