Slovakia player expects to 'torment' England as bold comments made ahead of Euro 2024 clash

Ondrej Duda is not intimidated by England ahead of meeting them in the first Euro 2024 knockout stage this weekend.

England qualified for the Euro 2024 round of 16 on Tuesday after drawing 0-0 with Slovenia.

Despite disappointing performances in all three group stage matches, the Three Lions finished top of Group C with five points.

They will face Slovakia in the first knockout round, after the 45^th-ranked nation finished third in Group E.

And despite being massive underdogs in the knockout tie, Slovakia midfielder Ondrej Duda isn’t afraid of Gareth Southgate’s side.

Speaking to TV Markiza, he said: "The English have quality, but every opponent they have played were able to torment them."

Duda scored his 14^th international goal on Wednesday as his side drew 1-1 with group winners Romania.

The result meant that every team in the group finished on four points, with goals scored and goal difference determining who finished in each position.

The Slovakian’s midfield partner Stanislav Lobotka echoed his teammate's confidence ahead of the fixture.

"It (qualification for the last 16) is something indescribable," Lobotka said.

"We did it and I'm most pleased that we did it by playing our own game.

"From the beginning we wanted to play our game and we fought for each other. We will try to get as far as possible.”

Lobotka won player of the match in two of the three group stage matches, including the Romania game, and has been an essential part of the team as it transitions between attack and defence.

Alongside right back Peter Pekerik (37) and Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka (35), the 35-year midfielder was part of only the second-ever team to name three platers aged 35 older in Slovakia’s opening fixture against Ukraine.

Stanislav Lobotka celebrated with teammate Ondrej Duda, who opened the scoreline for Slovakia in the 1-1 draw with Romania. (Image: Getty)

Their qualification for the knockout stages is only the second time in the nations history, which was formed in 1992 after the splitting of Czechoslovakia into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

And the significance of such an achievement was not lost on manager Francesco Calzona.

He said: “I'm very happy that we have progressed, I think we've achieved something important," Calzona said.

"We were able to play three games at a high level against teams that are higher in the (FIFA) rankings (at the time).

"We now have another goal ahead of us, we want to last as long as possible in the tournament. I believe that we will be well prepared for the last 16."

Slovakia will face England in the Euro 2024 round of 16 in the Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen on Sunday night.

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