England finished top and Slovenia also advanced to the knockout stages of Euro 2024 after an uninspiring 0-0 draw in their final Group C match on Tuesday.
England had already qualified for the round of 16 and, despite another flat performance, the draw leaves them in first place in the group on five points.
Slovenia finished level on three points with Denmark, who drew 0-0 with Serbia, and though they had the same goal difference, goals scored and disciplinary record, the Danes appeared to have advanced in second place due to their UEFA ranking, going through with Slovenia, subject to confirmation.
England had the best of the action in a tepid game of few real chances, with Harry Kane and Phil Foden forcing easy saves from goalkeeper Jan Oblak and Bukayo Saka having a goal ruled out in the first half for offside.
England dominated possession but had few shots on target as Slovenia defended resolutely and tried to crowd out every attack from their frustrated opponents.
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Declan Rice had said before this game that it might only take one match to transform England’s tournament and that might now be true… although not because of anything Gareth Southgate’s side actually did.
They again didn’t do much at all. They still somehow find themselves on the more forgiving side of the Euro 2024 draw due to results elsewhere. Southgate won’t have to worry about any of Germany, Spain, Portugal or France until the final… if they make it that far.
That is why that run can be a negative, too. Such an opportunity potentially brings more pressure, for a team that barely look like beating anybody right now.
England v Slovenia player ratings as the Three Lions play out a goalless draw in Cologne
England played out a drab 0-0 draw with Slovenia in Cologne as Group C concluded on a stifling night in north Germany.
The Three Lions got off to a slow start, with a largely uneventful first half offering up one dangerous delivery from Kieran Trippier and a disallowed goal after some invention from Phil Foden.
The lack of tempo, movement and creativity continued in the second half even with the addition of Kobbie Mainoo and then Cole Palmer, with England struggling to create clear-cut chances across the entirety of the 90 minutes.
Forever going in the same cycles, England’s biggest problem is now the easiest to solve
After about an hour on a hot, sticky night in Cologne, the England football team fans behind Jordan Pickford’s goal launched into a chant to the tune of the Great Escape, led by a banging drum and bellowed out with a renewed sense of purpose.
When it reached the end, they started again, repeating themselves for at least 15 minutes, going in the same cycles, sticking to the same rhythm in an endless drone. In a way, it was a fitting tribute to the players in front of them, given that was how England performed in this dismal 0-0 draw against Slovenia.
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It hasn’t been pretty, it hasn’t been easy to watch. England are three games into their Euro 2024 campaign and so far the biggest discussions have centred over which players need to come out of the starting lineup, why the team can’t press, who isn’t fit, which former internationals are most angry and why, yet again, it’s almost certainly not coming home.
A narrow and nervy win over Serbia was followed by a tame and fortunate draw with Denmark. On Tuesday night, Group C came to a conclusion with a truly dismal goalless draw against Slovenia, leaving England short on inspiration and goalscoring form, but top of the quartet and safely through to the last 16.
Gareth Southgate on the fans and controlling the game
“We have several players who’ll be able to affect games. Today the space and opportunity was more for our wide players. They were able to get more of the ball and look dangerous. It’s harder for the players in the middle as there’s less space.”
“The fans were exceptional in the second half with the team. That makes such a difference. I’m very proud of the players. They kept composure off the back of a really challenging environment. They’ve coped with it exceptionally well.
“We totally controlled the second half, created a couple of really good chances which we unfortunately couldn’t take but kept defensive solidity. I am very happy with what they did.
“Of course we’d like a couple of goals to send everyone home happy. We’re happy to top the group.”
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England defender John Stones, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live:
“Super pleased to top the group, it is what we came here to do in the first phase of the tournament. Super proud of the team for getting another clean sheet which is always important in tournament football.
“We know we have got to improve and do better. I think tonight was a good step towards that.There was a lot of emotions and pressure on the game but we handled that really well.
“We wanted the three points of course but to top the group shouldn’t be underestimated.”
Gary Neville warns England not to ‘mishandle’ young talents after dismal draw to Slovenia
Gary Neville has warned England manager Gareth Southgate against mishandling the young talent in his England squad, after the Three Lions laboured to a 0-0 draw against Slovenia in their final group match.
Speaking on ITV after the game, Neville said that players such as Kobbie Mainoo, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer are “massive talents”, and stressed that England “really can’t mishandle” such players.
“We looked so basic in the first half. We didn’t get the result but we glimpsed what we can be,” he said.
Kane on ast 16 opponents:
“It is going to be difficult no matter who we play. Looking across the groups there have been some tough battles, there are no easy games now in these competitions.
“The important part of the tournament starts now, where it all counts and hopefully we can build some momentum.”
England captain Harry Kane, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live:
“If you look at previous tournaments we have played our best football in the knockout rounds. Last Euros against Germany, Ukraine and Denmark, so for sure there is more to come.
“Always the objective is to get through the group without any mishaps. We can improve, we know that, but you have to enjoy these moments when you finish top.”
Source: independent.co.uk
