England vs Slovenia LIVE! Euro 2024 result, match stream, latest reaction and updates as Three Lions top group
England booked their place in the last-16 at Euro 2024 as winners of Group C, despite a hugely uninspiring 0-0 draw with Slovenia. The Three Lions’ opponents on Sunday in Gelsenkirchen will be confirmed following the conclusion of the group-stage, with it likely to be the Netherlands. The nature of the draw means they cannot face any of Spain, France, Germany or Portugal until the final, though that feels incredibly premature on recent showings.
After two uninspiring performances to start the tournament, the pre-match talk from the England camp had been of a more front-footed approach, a performance to finally kick the campaign into gear. That was not forthcoming in Cologne, as Gareth Southgate’s side once again toiled and failed to excite in attack. Bukayo Saka had a first-half effort ruled out for offside, finishing at the back post after arguably England’s best move of the the tournament, but there was very little beyond that.
Kobbie Mainoo was introduced at half-time to replace Conor Gallagher and Cole Palmer came on for his first appearance of the summer, but the Slovenian defence held firm in fairly comfortable fashion.
England vs Slovenia latest news
- FT: England top group despite frustrating draw
- NO GOAL! Saka denied by offside flag
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00:03 , Matt Verri
When some future AI overlord grants its minion-bots the 30 seconds it will take to write the comprehensive history of the current era, it will go down among the great injustices of our time.
That this England, this blunt, unsure, ill-fitting England, go into the knockout stage of this European Championship not only as group winners, but with the road to Berlin cleared of its heftiest blocks.
It should not really be enough to excite anyone. Right now, Gareth Southgate’s stumbling, heel-dragging muddle look to have it well within their grasp to suffer a fatal trip while trying to hurdle a deck of cards.
But once again, at a major tournament, they have fallen kindly. With a goalless draw against Slovenia here in Cologne, and another between Denmark and Serbia to round off Group C (‘C’ for, well, you know what), England ensured they cannot meet any of Portugal, Spain, France or hosts Germany until the capital showpiece next month.
On the day that that kindest of runs opened up, though, conviction in England’s prospects of staying the course plunged new depths.
(Adam Davy/PA Wire)
Youngsters insist they are ready!
23:26 , Matt Verri
Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer both impressed off the bench this evening.
Have to think Mainoo will start on Sunday in the last-16, with Palmer pushing for greater involvement too.
Gareth Southgate has been speaking…
22:33 , Matt Verri
“I thought we were much improved with the ball. We created some good openings,” the England boss tells ITV.
“At the moment it’s hard work for us – we’re not quite getting that break in front of goal. The boys who came on had a really good impact on the game, and we had the discipline to keep a clean sheet, which meant we won the group.
“I understand some of the reactions, but it’s a strange environment we’re play in.”
Post-match thoughts from John Stones
22:09 , Matt Verri
The England centre-back is, as you’d expect, putting a positive spin on things.
Job done in terms of finishing top, but not sure you can get too excited about that attacking display.
“We created more chances. It was a step in the right direction”
John Stones credits England’s improved performance, but acknowledges England still have much more to do to against their round of 16 opponent 🏴#Euro2024 | @gabrielclarke05 🎤 pic.twitter.com/blfkTy1jMS
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 25, 2024
England player ratings
22:03 , Matt Verri
Conor Gallagher 4
Did not solve England’s problems. There was still too little control and too few progressive passes. He was hooked for Kobbie Mainoo after just 45 minutes. Assuming he’s fit, this was a nightmare.
Jude Bellingham 5
A few lively moments but again failed to hit the heights of his first-half display against Serbia. Looks a little leggy, worryingly, and too casual.
Click here for our full ratings!
(AFP via Getty Images)
How it finishes in Group C
22:01 , Matt Verri
So, England through as group winners.
They will face one of the best third-placed teams on Sunday – it’s likely to be the Netherlands.
Denmark and Slovenia are also through to the last-16.
