Slovakiavs.Romania

Indeed, when it was announced in 2022 that he would succeed Marek Hamsik as captain, then national team manager Stefan Tarkovic praised the defender's leadership skills, and this could be key against Romania.

Elsewhere in the team, it is unlikely that current manager Francesco Calzona makes any changes from the side that lost to 2-1 to Ukraine on Friday considering he named the same starting XI in both of Slovakia's opening two games.

As such, goalkeeper Martin Dubravka will almost certainly be shielded by a defence of Peter Pekarik, Denis Vavro, Milan Skriniar and David Hancko.

No Slovakian midfielder has played more accurate passes per 90 than Stanislav Lobotka's 60.5, so his presence in the midfield three will be vital.

Considering he was flanked by both Ondrej Duda and Juraj Kucka in the previous two games, they can be expected to start in midfield as well.

In the forward line, Ivan Schranz is Slovakia's top scorer with two goals, while Lukas Haraslin has the most shots on target per 90 of any player in the squad, and they will no doubt start alongside striker Robert Bozenik.

Slovakia possible starting lineup: Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Kucka, Lobotka, Duda; Schranz, Bozeník, Haraslin