England v Slovakia Prediction, Tips and Odds: Rice to find the net for England

England continue their quest for Euro 2024 glory on Sunday and the Racing Post's James Milton has picked out his three best bets for the round-of-16 clash between Gareth Southgate's men and Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen.

England v Slovakia Odds

England v Slovakia betting tips and predictions

Over 2.5 goals - 11/10

England received plenty of criticism after some underwhelming performances in Group C although a 1-0 win over Serbia and draws with Denmark and Slovenia ensured they finished top of the table.

That, in turn, means Gareth Southgate's men are in the weaker half of the knockout-stage draw and they are hot favourites to get past Slovakia in the round of 16 on Sunday.

England's star-studded attacking unit looked laboured during their three group games and they will be determined to produce a more convincing display in their first knockout tie.

Over 2.5 goals looks a big price when they face a Slovakia side who scored in each of their Group E games, beating Belgium 1-0, losing 2-1 to Ukraine and drawing 1-1 with Romania on matchday three.

Slovakia's clean sheet against Belgium owed much to VAR as Red Devils striker Romelu Lukaku had two goals chalked off.

On matchday two, Ukraine scored two second-half goals to complete a comeback victory against Francesco Calzona's men, also hitting the woodwork twice.

Slovakia's starting line-ups have had an average age of almost 31 – the oldest at the tournament – so England, like Ukraine, may be able to exploit gaps in their defence as the game goes on.

Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer could be useful threats off the bench, if Phil Foden retains his starting spot, and striker Harry Kane has scored six goals in his last six knockout games at major tournaments.

England took the lead in the 13th and 18th minutes of their group matches against Serbia and Denmark but were unable to kick on.

Slovakia should be confident after their group-stage qualification and, after a dour Group C campaign, England could be involved in a more entertaining last-16 contest.      

Lukas Haraslin to have over 1.5 shots - 1/1

Slovakia lost to Portugal twice in qualifying but they won seven of their other eight matches and should be positive against an under-pressure England side.

England lost the shots count 6-5 against Serbia and 16-12 against Denmark while Slovenia forwards Andraz Sporar and Benjamin Sesko had three shots between them on matchday three.

Slovakia winger Lukas Haraslin could test Jordan Pickford in the England goal and he is worth backing to have over 1.5 shots on Sunday.

Haraslin, who scored three times in qualifying, has made a bright start to the Euros, having two attempts at goal in each of Slovakia's group games.

The Sparta Prague man scored against Rangers, Real Betis and Galatasaray in the 2023/24 Europa League and had four shots in 97 minutes of playing time in Sparta's 11-2 aggregate defeat to Liverpool. 

Declan Rice anytime goalscorer - 10/1

Only Kane and Jude Bellingham found the net for England during three Group C fixtures but, on paper at least, the Three Lions have goal threats all over the pitch.

Midfielder Declan Rice, who scored seven Premier League goals in his first season at Arsenal, has the potential to play more of an attacking role and he is worth a small bet to notch against Slovakia.

Rice tended to sit deep early in the tournament but he had a shot from outside the box against Denmark and narrowly missed the target with a decent effort against Slovenia.

The match betting suggests England should dominate possession, allowing Rice to get into dangerous positions, and he is also an aerial menace from set-pieces.   

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England v Slovakia odds

England - 2/5
Draw - 10/3
Slovakia - 8/1

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.

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