Gary Neville believes England should be grateful for their ‘hell of a draw’ in the last 16, as Gareth Southgate’s side were handed a tie against Slovakia… but Roy Keane warns players not to get carried away

Gary Neville believes England were handed a ‘terrible draw’ after it was revealed their last 16 opponents were Slovakia. However, he did emphasize that the team will be a ‘tough’ test for the Three Lions.

Gareth Southgate’s side were ultimately rewarded as they finished top of Group C, despite an uninspiring performance that drew heavy criticism from fans and pundits.

Ahead of the final day of the Euro 2024 group stage, England’s most likely opponents in the next round were the Netherlands. However, due to the complicated format of the competition and Georgia’s shock victory over Portugal, the Three Lions will play Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday evening.

Neville, who was a member of Roy Hodgson’s backroom staff when England were knocked out by Iceland at Euro 2016, believes the side should be grateful for their draw. But he urged the squad to be ‘respectful’ towards Francesco Calzone’s team.

“We have to be respectful.” The former Manchester United defender said this on ITV. ‘I would never be disrespectful to any country. I think Slovakia will be a very tough opponent for England and obviously I was part of a team that was knocked out by Iceland, which was a terrible night for us.

The Three Lions were awarded a favorable draw in the next round after they were set to play the Netherlands

Slovakia finished third in their group behind Romania and Belgium, although all four teams were level on four points

‘But it’s a great result for Gareth to miss the Netherlands. Let’s be clear: the alternative was [the Netherlands] and that would have been a more difficult game.

‘That’s not to say there isn’t a big job to do on Sunday, but you have to be grateful for a bit of luck and we’ve had that in the last few tournaments where we just seemed to be on the right track. regularly on the right side of the draw.’

Wednesday’s results confirmed England will be on the other side of the draw against tournament giants Spain, Germany, Portugal, France and Belgium.

Defending champions Italy, the Netherlands and in-form Austria pose the biggest threats to the Three Lions ahead of a potential final. But first Southgate’s side must improve to find a way past Slovakia, who defeated Belgium in their opening match.

‘The form England are in means they can’t get carried away.’ said Roy Keane. ‘They shouldn’t underestimate anyone. They’ve done it before and it’s backfired.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, who is part of ITV’s pundit team for the tournament, agreed with the former United skipper, adding: “You can have any plan you want, but if within the first 90 seconds the other team scores and all of a sudden you have to chase the game and open yourself up.

Georgia’s shock win over Portugal meant England were paired with Slovakia in the next round. In the photo: star player Khvicha Kvaratskhelia celebrates scoring the opener on Wednesday evening

Gareth Southgate’s side have had relatively good luck with their knockout round opponents in his previous tournaments as England boss

“Every plan you have has to be adjusted and that can happen in a knockout match.

‘At the same time, England have earned the right, they finished first and that does give you the privilege of a better draw. Now it’s about capitalising on that opportunity.’