Serie A success the springboard for star after rocky start with fans and that could spell trouble for England

Slovakia’s progress to the last 16 of Euro 2024, where a meeting with England in Gelsenkirchen awaits, has been a team effort, but the displays of one man in particular have especially stood out. Stanislav Lobotka has been central to Slovakia’s success in Germany, literally as well as figuratively, delivering man-of-the-match displays in the 1-0 win over Belgium and the decisive 1-1 draw with Romania. It is little surprise that the 29-year-old defensive midfielder is being linked with a big move away from Napoli this summer, but what is perhaps a shock is that his relationship with Slovak supporters has not always been easy going.

Lobotka has always been well-known in Slovakia for his hard work and humble attitude but, before the previous European Championship, some of the national team’s supporters did not want him involved. He was not in good form and was reportedly overweight when coming back from injury. It was not the best of times for Lobotka or Slovakia, who were eliminated from Euro 2020 after a 5-0 loss against Spain.

Current and former Slovakia players believe they can exploit nervousness of favourites in Gelsenkirchen

England have not impressed at the Euros. They won their group and ended up on the “easier” side of the draw but in knockout football there are no guarantees and in Slovakia players, fans and experts are hopeful of causing an upset in the last 16 game in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.

England could only draw against Denmark and Slovenia while Slovakia beat Belgium in their first game. “[England] are a great team with amazing individuals,” said Adrian Gula, a former Wisla Krakow and Slovakia Under-21 coach. “[But] I wanted to play them in the last 16 given their performances in the tournament. I believe we can cause a big upset and I hope the boys and the coaching staff can pull it off. We will be the underdogs and we prospered in that role against Belgium. Our playing style is quite unforgiving, very proactive.”