England topped Group C at Euro 2024 after a goalless draw with Slovenia which will do little to quell the question marks shrouding Gareth Southgate’s team.
Bukayo Saka had a goal disallowed in a stale first half – after Phil Foden was clearly offside before crossing him the ball – but such openings were rare and it took until the 30th minute for England to even register a shot on goal.
The introduction of Kobbie Mainoo at the interval, in place of Conor Gallagher, did bring a little more speed to England’s passing, but they still lacked urgency and could not break down a disciplined and diligent Slovenia team, who knew a point would be enough to take them through to the knockout rounds.
Slovenia dug in for that draw towards the end, rather than pushing for what would have been a first-ever win at a European Championship, making England’s task even harder. Substitute Cole Palmer did have a good chance in added time, but shot too close to the goalkeeper.
England’s last-16 opponents are yet to be confirmed, with the Netherlands a possibility. England are however now on the opposite side of the draw to Germany, Spain, Portugal and France, so cannot meet any of those sides until the final.
