England found it difficult to break through Slovenia’s strong defence even with plenty of possession, although Bukayo Saka had an early goal disallowed for offside, and Southgate’s side were lacking the quality to create any real chances.
Southgate announced Kobbie Mainoo to partner Declan Rice in midfield. The Liverpool star responded strongly against Trent Alexander-Arnold critics during the week and has already begun showing promise with England.
In this article, we will discuss the main points or high lights of England National Football Team vs Slovenia National Football Team Standings.
England Starting Lineup:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Jordan Pickford |
| RB | Kyle Walker |
| CB | John Stones |
| CB | Marc Guéhi |
| LB | Kieran Trippier |
| CM | Conor Gallagher |
| CM | Declan Rice |
| RW | Bukayo Saka |
| AM | Jude Bellingham |
| LW | Phil Foden |
| CF | Harry Kane (c) |
Slovenia Starting Lineup:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Jan Oblak (c) |
| RB | Žan Karničnik |
| CB | Vanja Drkušić |
| CB | Jaka Bijol |
| LB | Erik Janža |
| RM | Petar Stojanović |
| CM | Timi Max Elšnik |
| CM | Adam Gnezda Čerin |
| LM | Jan Mlakar |
| CF | Andraž Šporar |
| CF | Benjamin Šeško |
The match concluded in a 0-0 draw.
Head-to-Head
England have suffered another Group C defeat with an underwhelming performance against Slovenia in Germany, drawing 0-0 and failing to create any clear chances that could test goalkeeper Jan Oblak despite plenty of possession and the number of shots taken against their goal. Gareth Southgate must now endure further pressure after such a disappointing start in a tournament they were widely touted to win the championship title.
First half action was dismal for England as Kieran Trippier and Phil Foden provided any real threat from England side. Matjaz Kek’s side looked solid in shape, hard to break down. Second period saw similar proceedings; only notable event being Jores Okore of Leicester City scoring with a volley which was disallowed for offside.
At halftime, Southgate made an inspired change, replacing Conor Gallagher with Manchester United youth Kobbie Mainoo who brought more urgency but England still struggled to create any real opportunities.
England had an improved performance during the final 45 minutes to secure a late corner, yet were unable to convert and score on their opportunity – Cole Palmer’s poor shot being easily saved by Oblak.
England have finished at the top of Pool B with four points and have advanced to the knockout rounds thanks to Denmark’s draw with Serbia, whereby they now advance as one of the three best third-place finishers from Groups D, E or F will face them off on Sunday at Gelsenkirchen.
Match Summary
At Euro 2024’s final match in Cologne, England will face Slovenia to claim top spot in Group C and an easier path into the knockout stages than otherwise available to them. Failing that however will increase pressure upon them prior to facing Germany later that evening.
The game has kicked off in an exciting manner, with both sides creating early chances. England have the upper hand at present but their final ball often misses or connections breakdown, thus negating their advantages.
England have yet to create any clear-cut chances despite being more expansive than their opponents, but are looking more solid defensively and Kobbie Mainoo has added spark after coming on at half time.
At half-time, England fans voiced their displeasure with their team’s performance. If England are going to have any impact in this tournament, they need to raise their overall level.
Slovenia are an effective counter-attacking team who possess long spells of possession of the ball. Additionally, they’re adept at playing on the break and their quick forwards often create chances for themselves.
England show some flashes of brilliance but none amount to any real threat against Slovenia’s defensive unit. Foden attempts to dance his way into the box but is dispossessed before finding an opportunity on the right and trying unsuccessfully to pass it onto Kane; his pass lands far short.
Team News
Gareth Southgate came under intense criticism after England were held to a goalless draw by Slovenia at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne. England held possession but struggled to convert their dominance into victory – currently leading Group C with four points but needing one more win to ensure progression; other group matches between Denmark and Serbia resulted in draws as well, meaning one team will emerge victorious to move onto the knockout stage.
Phil Foden and Harry Kane both forced Jan Oblak into easy saves in the opening 45 minutes while Bukayo Saka had his header disqualified due to being offside. It wasn’t until after halftime when England finally threatened. A switch in tactics saw Kobbie Mainoo come on for Gallagher and instantly add positivity back into their team.
The challenge now lies in reigniting the fires of attacking players, who need to start scoring goals and pressuring opponents with pressure, creating more chances and taking them when presented. Unfortunately, though, they lack enough quality in the final third to regularly threaten Slovenia.
Matjaz Kek’s side are buoyed by the return of forward Poi, who has served his suspension well and will likely start alongside energetic Iga. Both can pose problems for their opponents’ defence while Iga could even act as an attacking outlet if needed.
Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig has been an outstanding star for Germany at this tournament so far; yet to score his first goal! Timi Max Elsnik and Adam Gnezda Cerin both experienced knocks against Serbia but passed late fitness checks; their midfield partnership will play an essential part in controlling possession and dominating play throughout this matchup.
Prediction
After an underwhelming group stage performance, England must reset and prepare to face Slovenia in their round-of-16 match at Euro 2024. A win would ensure they topped their group and secured an easier route into the knockout rounds; otherwise they may find themselves in an uncomfortable spot.
Gareth Southgate may need to make changes for this game. Trent Alexander-Arnold appears to have outlived his experiment in a holding role and should likely be replaced by Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United, who will bring more energy and drive into England midfield alongside Declan Rice and Kieran Trippier (despite Luke Shaw returning from training), will continue at left back alongside John Stones with Kyle Walker emerging as an option at centre back after performing well in previous two matches for Everton in Cologne.
As England head towards Euro 2020, they face many uncertainties and concerns surrounding them as a team. A solid performance against Slovenia will go some way to providing some answers – particularly as only one goal has been scored so far out of four matches played so far!
Slovenian players will no doubt be thrilled to have secured first place in their group and an entry into the knockout rounds, and are looking forward to taking on an England defence that is expected to present challenges.
England have faced Slovenia twice before and won both encounters, including a friendly in October 2010. Slovenia have only ever defeated England two out of 17 competitive matches (W8 D2). They currently share top spot with Denmark but the latter has the superior goal difference. Both teams will meet again Wednesday at RheinEnergieStadion where a draw would see both advance as best third-placed sides; should England secure their victory, however, then they will advance directly to Gelsenkirchen on 30 June and face one of these third-placed third-placed sides from Group D, E or F.