England top group but fail to score in uninspiring draw, Slovenia through

England topped Group C at Euro 2024 after a goalless draw with Slovenia which is able to do little to quell the query marks shrouding Gareth Southgate’s group.

Bukayo Saka had a aim disallowed in a stale first half – after Phil Foden was clearly offside earlier than crossing him the ball – however such openings had been uncommon and it took till the thirtieth minute for England to even register a shot on aim.

The introduction of Kobbie Mainoo on the interval, instead of Conor Gallagher, did deliver a bit extra velocity to England’s passing, however they nonetheless lacked urgency and couldn’t break down a disciplined and diligent Slovenia group, who knew some extent could be sufficient to take them by to the knockout rounds.

Slovenia dug in for that draw in direction of the tip, somewhat than pushing for what would have been a first-ever win at a European Championship, making England’s activity even tougher. Substitute Cole Palmer did have an excellent probability in added time, however shot too near the goalkeeper.

England’s last-16 opponents are but to be confirmed, with the Netherlands a chance. England are nonetheless now on the other aspect of the draw to Germany, Spain, Portugal and France, so can’t meet any of these sides till the ultimate.

Gallagher changed Trent Alexander-Arnold in England’s solely change, nevertheless it didn’t have the specified impact. England moved the ball slowly and none of Gallagher, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham had been capable of dictate the move of the sport.

That Gallagher was eliminated on the break for Kobbie Mainoo confirmed Southgate’s displeasure at his newest midfield mixture.

Issues did choose up, briefly, after Mainoo’s arrival. He was busier than Gallagher, gave England a semblance of a spark and should effectively have performed his manner into the beginning line-up for England’s last-16 tie. But even the second half left lots to be desired.

Palmer, like Mainoo, was vibrant off the bench and might also now be in competition to start out a knockout recreation on Sunday.

Foden’s motion was by some margin probably the most incisive of England’s ahead gamers. The controversy will rumble on about England’s left flank, however Foden demonstrated his worth to the group, no matter what place he is taking part in.

England: Pickford 6, Walker 5, Stones 6, Guehi 6, Trippier 5, Rice 5, Gallagher 4, Saka 4, Bellingham 4, Foden 7, Kane 5. Subs: Mainoo 7, Palmer 6, Alexander-Arnold n/a, Gordon n/a.

Slovenia: Oblak 7, Karnicnik 7, Drkusic 6, Bijol 7, Janza 7, Stojanovic 6, Cerin 6, Elsnik 5, Mlakar 5, Sporar 6, Sesko 6. Subs: Ilicic 5, Celar n/a, Stankovic n/a, Balkovec

CHANCE! 5′ – A deep cross from the left is headed again into the England field, the place Sesko has a free header, however there may be little tempo on the ball and Pickford saves fairly comfortably.

DISALLOWED GOAL! 31′ – Foden makes a darting run from the left and Rice finds him with a first-time go, however Foden went simply too early. He squares for Saka to faucet in, however the flag is up and the aim is not going to depend.

SAVE! 35′ – Foden strikes a free kick effectively, arrowing in direction of the highest nook, however Oblak saves with out having to dive. Most had been anticipating a cross given how far out it was however the goalkeeper was not caught out.

SAVE! 90+2′ – A superb probability for England late on as Kane unselfishly flicks the ball on to Palmer, reducing in from the best and unmarked, however his low shot is just too near Oblak.