Martin Skrtel knows Euro 2016 opponent England inside out

Head games should start early and often, and Slovakia captain Martin Skrtel is sending out some early warnings ahead of Euro Group B’s final matches.

Martin Skrtel would have no qualms about kicking Liverpool team-mate Daniel Sturridge if it ensured Slovakia’s progress at Euro 2016.

England top the standings with four points from two games, one ahead of Slovakia and Wales with Russian Federation at the bottom on one. “We both try to do the best for our teams and if that means kicking him them I have to do it”. We know what to expect but believe we can do well.

Bale said prior to Wales’ 2-1 defeat that English players could not match the pride or passion of his side, a theme Skrtel appeared to pick up.

“It’s all going to come down to what happens on the pitch, and I think we can reproduce our performance against Russian Federation (a 2-1 win)”.

“The pressure will be on England but I think they are experienced enough to cope”.

“We can be friends before and after the game but on the pitch there is no friendship and I am sure Daniel would tell you the same thing”, Skrtel told a news conference on Sunday. We are very happy that we got the win [against Russia] for them.

Slovakia currently sit in the third place bubble, where their advancement is dependent on results going their way in other groups now that four of the six third place finishers will participate in the Round of 16.

Skrtel is relishing a battle with his Sturridge when Slovakia take on England on Monday evening in Saint Etienne.

“It’s not only Sturridge, Vardy, [Harry] Kane”.

“[Marek] Hamsik is our star player but the main strength of the team is the team. We showed heart, character and desire and we can get a result against England that will help us qualify for the next stage”.

“We must use the weapons we used against Russian Federation, to be together and to play with our hearts”.