Former Liverpool star Martin Skrtel claims that Slovakia are playing England at the RIGHT time to beat them – and reveals why he has been ‘disappointed’ with the Three Lions at Euro 2024

Former Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel believes this is the best time for Slovakia to play England. 

Skrtel, who was at Anfield between 2008 and 2016, has been unimpressed by what he has seen from England so far at Euro 2024. 

Slovakia are bullish about their chances as they take on England, who they have never beaten, in the last 16 of the Euros on Sunday evening. 

After captain Milan Skriniar vowed to ‘torment’ the Three Lions and declared that his side are beter, Skrtel threw his hat in the ring on Sky Sports News. 

‘I watched two games against Denmark and Slovenia and I’ve got to say I was surprised and also a little bit disappointed,’ he said.

The former Liverpool defender is ‘disappointed’ with England as he knows they have ‘quality’ 

England play Slovakia, who have never beaten them, on Sunday evening in the Euros last 16 

‘I expected a little bit more from England’s side and I think they could do much, much better.

‘We know they’re quality and the tournament is just starting now because it’s about the one game at the moment. 

‘It’s going to be very difficult for us but if I can say this is the right moment for us to play against England, because our team are performing really well and full of confidence. 

‘If we can (ever) beat England, it would be this time,’ said Skrtel, who played 104 times at Slovakia and featured at two major tournaments, becoming captain. 

A theme of optimism has arisen from the Slovakian camp after they scraped out of Group E in third place. 

An opening-game victory over Belgium proved their ability to claim a marquee scalp but they subsequently lost to Ukraine and drew with Romania.

Captain Skriniar said: ‘I believe we will torment them. We have to try to play our game. The whole team believes that we can surprise them.

‘We have the weapons to defeat them. Of course, they are definitely better than us, but with teamwork we can beat them.

Skrtel accumulated 104 caps for Slovakia and competed at two major tournaments with them

Slovakia captain Milan Skriniar is looking forward to ‘tormenting’ England on Sunday

‘They have a squad full of stars, but as a team we are better.

‘We’ve been together for a month, but it feels like we just met yesterday. We are happy to be together, we spend time together outside the field.

‘They will be under much more pressure and that can play in our favour.

‘I felt from their previous performances that they rely a lot on individual quality and know that they have players who can decide matches. However, we can manage it as a team.’