England progressed into the Euro 2024 knockouts as winners of Group C but once again disappointed after a 0-0 draw against Slovenia.
This result sees Gareth Southgate’s side progress to the Round of 16 as group winners, but they were once again booed off by their own supporters after another poor performance.
Denmark’s 0-0 draw with Serbia also sees Slovenia qualify for the knockouts as one of the best ranked third placed teams.
Here are five things we learnt from the match…
Slovenia hold their own
As disappointing England were and have been this European Championships, Slovenia have proven to be a worthy addition to the tournament. Icon Matjaz Kek led his country to the finals in his second spell in charge, and have shown they can compete with not only Denmark and Serbia, but also England as well. Tonight’s result saw the 57th ranked country in the world qualify for the Round of 16, which is an accomplishment in itself.
Southgate’s second experiment fails to work
After two underwhelming matches in which England struggled throughout, Gareth Southgate decided to make one change to his starting eleven. Trent Alexander-Arnold was tasked in partnering Declan Rice in the Three Lions midfield, but despite being England’s most progressive passer, the experiment did not work out as hoped. Alexander-Arnold was dropped in favour of Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, but even then the combative midfielder struggled and was replaced at half-time by Kobbie Mainoo.
Shaw gamble looking like a mistake
When Luke Shaw was included in England’s Euro 2024 squad, first the training squad then the final 26, Southgate had hoped the Manchester United fullback would be fit enough to be involved in some capacity for England’s second group stage match against Denmark. That was prior to the Iceland defeat at the start of the month, fast forward three weeks and Shaw not only failed to make the bench for that match, but was ruled out of the Slovenia match as well. It is a gamble Southgate might live to regret later in the tournament.
Slow England far from tournament favourites
England are not the only top European country struggling at these Championships. France; Italy, Netherlands and Belgium have all been unconvincing thus far in Germany, with 2016 Champions Portugal a mixed bag as well. Only Spain and hosts Germany have looked convincing this tournament, but the way the seeding is going, those two will have to meet later in the competition. England will need to step up a gear as it appears they have the much more favourable side of the draw towards the final.
Fans boo yet again
England still have not found their spark at these European Championships, and their supporters have made their opinions clear. Booed off after the 1-1 draw against Denmark, the Three Lions were also booed off after tonight’s draw, despite Southgate’s side progressing as group winners and unbeaten. With the plethora of talent in the England squad, much more convincing performances were expected. For now, the knockouts beckon.
