Skriniar believes that the criticism of England's performances could benefit his team in the Round of 16 of Euro 2024.
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Milan Skriniar, the captain of Slovakia, stated on Friday that his team could overcome England in the Round of 16 of Euro 2024 through "teamwork."
"In my opinion, they rely on individual quality and know they have players who can decide games on their own. That's why I think we can handle them through teamwork," he said in a press conference previewing the match.
The 29-year-old defender also argued that the criticism of England's performances during the group stage of the tournament could benefit his team in the knockout round, as Slovakia is under much less pressure to advance.
"Even in their first game [a 1-0 win against Serbia], they played with the expectation of being England and having to achieve certain results. The press and fans [have been critical] after the games, so they will be under much more pressure than us. This could work in our favor," he emphasized.
England won Group C of the European Championship, accumulating five points, and will face Slovakia, the third-place team from Group E, in the Round of 16, in a match scheduled for Sunday at 5:00 PM.
England's path to the Round of 16 included a mix of strong performances and moments of vulnerability, leading to increased scrutiny from the media and fans. This scrutiny has added pressure on the English squad to deliver decisive victories in the knockout stages. Despite their first-place finish in the group, England has faced criticism for not being as dominant as expected, creating a sense of urgency to prove their capabilities in the upcoming match.
On the other hand, Slovakia's journey to the Round of 16 has been marked by resilience and strategic play. Finishing third in Group E, they managed to secure their place in the knockout stages through determined performances. Skriniar's leadership and defensive skills have been pivotal for the team, and his confidence in their collective strength highlights Slovakia's belief in their ability to challenge more favored opponents.
The match on Sunday promises to be a compelling contest between a favored England team looking to assert its dominance and a Slovakia squad eager to capitalize on their opponents' perceived weaknesses and pressure. With both teams aiming for a spot in the quarterfinals, fans can expect a tense and exciting encounter.
