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 have been handed a 'very poor draw' after it was revealed their final 16 opponent is Slovakia, though he insisted the aspect might be a 'robust' take a look at for the Three Lions.

Gareth Southgate's aspect had been rewarded with a top-place end in Group C, though their efficiency was missing in pleasure and drew heavy criticism from followers and pundits.

Forward of the ultimate day of group stage motion at Euro 2024, England's most definitely opponents within the subsequent spherical had been the Netherlands. Nonetheless, because of the competitors's sophisticated set-up and Georgia's shock win over Portugal, the Three Lions will play Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday night.

Neville, who was a member of Roy Hodgson's backroom workers when England had been knocked out of Euro 2016 by Iceland, believes the group ought to be thankful for their draw. However he urged the squad to 'respect' Francesco Calzone's aspect.

The previous Manchester United defender mentioned on ITV: “We have now to be respectful. I’d by no means disrespect any nation. I believe Slovakia might be a extremely robust opponent for England and clearly I used to be a part of the group that acquired overwhelmed by Iceland which was a horrible night time for us.”

Gary Neville (left) believes England ought to be thankful for their draw and place within the bracket reverse the opposite contenders. Pictured, Neville, Ange Postecoglou (centre) and Roy Keane (proper)

The Three Lions have been given a beneficial draw as they appear set to face the Netherlands within the subsequent spherical

Slovakia completed third in its group behind Romania and Belgium, though all 4 groups had been equal on 4 factors

'However Gareth being out of the Netherlands is a really unhealthy end result. To be clear, that was the choice [the Netherlands] And it might have been a harder sport.

'It's not like there's nothing huge to do on Sunday however it’s important to be thankful for a bit of excellent fortune and that's been the case in the previous couple of tournaments the place we have now frequently been on the proper aspect of the draw.'

The outcomes on Wednesday confirmed that England might be on the other aspect to the event's huge groups, Spain, Germany, Portugal, France and Belgium.

Defending champions Italy, the Netherlands and in-form Austria are the most important threats to the Three Lions forward of a possible remaining. However first, Southgate's aspect should put in a greater efficiency to beat Slovakia, who beat Belgium of their opener.

'Given the shape England are in, they’ll't go any additional,' mentioned Roy Keane. 'They’ll't underestimate anybody. They've performed that earlier than and it's backfired.

Tottenham supervisor Ange Postecoglou, who’s a part of the ITV pundit group for the event, agreed with the previous United captain, saying: 'You possibly can plan no matter you need but when the opposite group scores inside the first 90 seconds then abruptly it’s important to take over the sport and play freely.

Georgia's shock win over Portugal meant England could be paired with Slovakia within the subsequent spherical. Within the image: Star participant Khvicha Kvaratselia celebrates scoring the primary objective on Wednesday night time

As England coach, Gareth Southgate's aspect have been comparatively fortunate with their knockout spherical opponents in earlier tournaments.

'It’s a must to make changes to each plan and that may occur in a knockout match.

“Additionally, England have earned this proper, they’ve completed first and that offers you the privilege of a greater draw. Now it's about making the most of that chance.”