While England might have officially wrapped up top spot in Group C on Tuesday night, the Three Lions put in another downbeat performance as they had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate against Slovenia in Cologne.
Although Gareth Southgate’s men might have been smelling the chance to finally make a EURO 24 statement at the third attempt, the pre-tournament favourites once again failed to find any kind of fluidity in the final third.
Despite watching Bukayo Saka’s first-half strike riled out for an offside in the build up, England flattered to deceive and the pressure on their shoulders will only intensify.
England were also short on creativity in a group where no team scored more than one goal in a game for the first time in the competition’s history.
While the European giants have drastically struggled to make any kind of statement over in Germany this summer, Denmark’s 0-0 draw with Serbia was enough to limp their way to top spot in Group C.
On a night when Southgate’s men missed out on what they had billed as a golden opportunity in Cologne, we have taken a look at the main talking points.
Pressure on Southgate’s shoulders ramps up
Putting in what was a woeful performance agains Denmark last week as they had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate, Southgate had made it abundantly clear that he was calling on an immediate response when his squad arrived in Cologne on Tuesday night.
However, while England might have opened up EURO 24 tipped as a leading contender to get their hands on a first piece silverware since their World Cup success way back in 1966, they have drastically struggled to make any kind of impact on the major tournament stage.
While the one-time Middlesbrough boss might have some of Europe’s most iconic attacking superstars at his disposal, the Three Lions have struggled to find any kind of fluidity in the final third.
Failing to cause Jan Oblak any real issues here, there were audible boos from England’s travelling support on Wednesday night and there is no doubt that the pressure on Southgate’s shoulders will only intensify.
Signing off their pre-tournament preparations with an infamous 1-0 defeat at home against Iceland, England have now recorded just a pair of victories from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions.
England’s attacking superstars struggle again
Arriving at this summer’s European Championships with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane in their ranks, Southgate’s attack are regarded to be one of the most lethal from across the continent.
However, although the Three Lions might have an all-star attack at their disposal, England have failed to find any kind of stability in the final third and their lacklustre performance on Wednesday night only further cemented their issues.
In fact, Southgate’s side have failed to register more than a single strike in any of their previous four appearances across all competitions.
Watching Chelsea ace Cole Palmer make a real impact after coming off the bench and making a maiden EURO 24 appearance with 19 minutes left, Southgate must find a way to get his superstar options back to their free-flowing best.
England’s last 16 opponents are currently the Netherlands in what would be a heavyweight showdown on Sunday – but that could change after the final round of matches.
A famous night for Slovenia
Although Slovenia might still be waiting to collect a maiden European Championship victory, Wednesday’s performance in Cologne will certainly be remembered as one of the most famous night’s in their history.
Embarking on what was an iconic EURO 24 qualifying adventure last year as they won five of their final six Group H appearances, Matjaz Kek’s men have certainly gained a reputation for their rugged approach.
Now playing out a stalemate in all of their three European showdowns this summer, Slovenia officially booked a stunning knockout stage ticket thanks to Denmark’s 0-0 stalemate against Serbia.
With emotional scenes in their camp following the full-time whistle and causing England’s downbeat attack plenty of headaches in Cologne, the Whites have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 15 appearances across all competitions.
Extending on their European adventure and backed by a vocal travelling support on Tuesday night, Kek’s men will certainly take a string of positives away from what has been an astonishing performance on the major tournament stage.
Match Report
England: Pickford, Trippier, Guehi, Stones, Walker, Rice, Gallagher, Bellingham, Foden, Saka, Kane
Subs: Palmer, Alexander-Arnold, Mainoo, Gordon
Slovenia: Oblak, Janza, Bijol, Drkusic, Karnicnik, Mlakar, Elsnik, Cerin, Stojanovic, Sesko, Sporar
Subs: Celar, Ilicic, Stankovic, Balkovec
Goals: N/A
Yellow Cards: England: Foden, Trippier, Guehi – Slovenia: Bijol, Janza
Red Cards: N/A
Referee: Clement Turpin
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