England 0, Slovenia 0 (Euro 2024)
England limped over the line into the knockout phase of Euro 2024 following a dull lgoalless draw against Slovenia in Cologne.
Embed from Getty ImagesA point was just what the Slovenians needed and they duly packed their defence to win that point against an England side that could not overcome the criticism that they have faced this week after an insipid campaign so far.
Denmark will rue not taking the chance to leapfrog the jaded English as their game against Serbia also ended goalless leaving Gareth Southgate’s team lucky to top their group with just 5 points.
Southgate tried to look at the upside of topping the group, which puts England into a less difficult side of the draw away from the likes of Spain, Germany, Portugal, and France.
He said: “We have to take a step back at a time. Tonight was an improvement.
“I thought we were much improved with the ball and created some good openings but it’s hard work for us – we were not making an impact on goal.
“We put attacking players on – Cole Palmer was very good. He finds the space well and have lovely technique.
And he also had praise for youngsters like Kobbie Mainoo, who came in to boost the side in the second half.
He added: “They are young players and had a good impact when they came on and used the ball well.
“We got a clean sheet which allowed us to top the group and we have to build on that.”
As expected, Southgate fielded Conor Gallagher in midfield instead of Trent Alexander-Arnold but the minor tinkering didn’t seem to make much of a difference to a lethargic England and the energetic Chelsea man was replaced by Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo at the break.
Mainoo offered more midfield cohesion when he came on but while he raised England’s level they could not breach the well marshalled Slovenian defence who were laser focused on not losing.
England had a first half Bukayo Saka goal ruled out for offside after Phil Foden – who was again one of the better performers on the night – was offside before he put a cross in.
It took until Cole Palmer came on in the second half before England offered genuine line-breaking threat but his best chance – set up by fellow sub Anthony Gordon – was a curling effort in injury time which Jan Oblak was glad to save – one of only four shots on target by England but nothing too challenging for the highly rated Slovenian keeper.