Aaron Ashley’s tips for England’s final Euro 2024 group game include a win for the Three Lions with Bukayo Saka starring.
It hasn’t been pretty but England are in complete control of Group C with four points from their two matches and they will be looking to advance to the knockout stages with a success over Slovenia.
The Three Lions are basically through but they will want to top the section and Gareth Southgate will be demanding a response after their lacklustre performance in the 1-1 draw with Denmark.
Slovenia will be out to land the upset that would send them through as they have drawn their opening two matches 1-1 with Denmark and Serbia.
Selections
England to win & under 3.5 goals
19/20
Bukayo Saka to score first
6/1
Adam Gnezda Cerin to be shown a card
10/3
Three Lions set for another hard-fought victory
England have limped through their opening two games at Euro 2024, grinding out a 1-0 victory over Serbia before a 1-1 draw with Denmark, and it is tough to envisage a free-scoring encounter against Slovenia.
The Slovenians do need to win in order to guarantee qualification following 1-1 draws with Denmark and Serbia, but whether they boast the firepower to capitalise on England’s lack of energy remains to be seen.
The Three Lions have looked laboured in their first two matches and there has been little attacking intent from Gareth Southgate’s side, who have managed only seven shots on target and forced three corners during the tournament.
England tend to keep things tight, taking few unnecessary risks, and eight of their last ten internationals have generated three or fewer goals.
With 10 of Slovenia’s last 11 matches featuring three or fewer goals, backing England to win and under 3.5 goals could be the way for punters to profit.
Saka set for a starring role
Bukayo Saka has been one of England’s shining lights with their positive play coming down his right flank and the Arsenal winger looks a nice price to open the scoring.
Saka was Arsenal’s leading scorer this season with 20 goals in 47 appearances and his opening 35 caps have yielded 11 goals, which included bagging three times at the 2022 World Cup.
The 22-year-old’s pace and guile is going to cause plenty of problems for Slovenia and, with Southgate surely set to mix things up on the left, he may get more space and freedom to influence matters.
Cerin could grab the referee’s attention
England should dominate the midfield battle and they are likely to draw plenty of fouls from Slovenia, who have committed 25 fouls in their opening two games.
One player perhaps fortunate to have escaped a booking in Slovenia’s opening two matches is centre midfielder Adam Gnezda Cerin, who has committed nine of those fouls.
The combative midfielder has five yellow cards in 33 caps and he is sure to have his discipline tested by the likes of Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Phil Foden.
Visit Betway’s Euro 2024 betting page.
