Skrtel highlights Hamsik importance

Slovakia captain Martin Skrtel has highlighted the importance of Marek Hamsik to his side ahead of their crucial Euro 2016 showdown with England on Monday.

The Napoli midfielder played a key role as Jan Kozak’s side bounced back from their opening-match defeat to Wales by beating Russia 2-1 in Lille on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old set-up Vladimir Weiss for the opening goal at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, before producing a spectacular strike himself on the stroke of half-time, a goal that proved to be the game’s decisive finish.

Skrtel believes Hamsik can now have a similar impact against England, but he knows the whole team will have to be on the top of their games against Roy Hodgson’s side. “He showed how important he is for our team and his qualities, not only his goal but the whole 90 minutes, he was working for the team and did great. We hope and believe he can carry on,” he said. “We’re happy he’s on our side and fit and in good form. But it’s 11 against 11, as I said, so it’s not just about him. We have to show our quality as a team.”

Slovakia will head into the contest a point behind the Three Lions in Group B, and a victory would guarantee their progression through to the knockout stages, while a draw would see them seal at least a third-place finish in the group.

Kozak’s men are available at 5.00 to claim a victory at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, while England are on offer at 1.80 and the draw is priced at 3.40.