England Top Euro Group, Settle for Another Frustrating Draw Against Slovenia

Report from Euro 2024 as England secure top spot in Group C but fail to impress as they are held to a goalless draw with Slovenia in Cologne; draw is enough for Slovenia also to progress to the knockout stages in third alongside second-placed Denmark.

England stuttered to a disappointing 0-0 draw with Slovenia in Cologne but it was still enough to win Group C at Euro 2024.

Bukayo Saka had a goal disallowed for an offside against Phil Foden but, in terms of attempts that would count, England did not register a shot until the 30th minute. Harry Kane came closest to scoring but could not connect cleanly with Kieran Trippier's cross.

Gareth Southgate made only one change to the side that struggled for fluency in the draw against Denmark, introducing Conor Gallagher for Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield as anticipated, but the Chelsea man was unable to make any positive impact.

He was replaced by Kobbie Mainoo for the second half and the youngster sparked an improved performance but England's pressure could not be converted into chances let alone goals. There was a lack of movement and a lot of loose touches.

Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon did get a taste of tournament action but the goal never came. Denmark's failure to defeat Serbia means that England still top Group C, while Slovenia secured the point that they needed to progress as one of the best third-placed teams.

England can count themselves fortunate to have dodged what appears to be the more difficult half of the draw in the knockout stages, avoiding teams such as Germany, Spain, Portugal and France. But that will be moot unless this team can show a lot more than this.

Neville: Mainoo will start next game

Gary Neville told ITV that he is "certain" that Mainoo has done enough to secure the central-midfield role alongside Declan Rice in England's round-of-16 game given the difference that he made during the second half in Cologne.

A point was jubilantly celebrated by the Slovenians as it did enough for them to progress as one of the best third-placed sides thanks to three draws from their three games.

Matjaz Kek’s men missed out on second place in the group solely due to Denmark’s better disciplinary record.

“I didn’t expect to be going into the knockout phase,” said Kek. “But we showed with our play we deserved to be here and go into the knockouts against one of the favourites for the tournament.”