England faced Slovenia in their final Euro 2024 group match, struggling to find spark in their performance. Phil Foden’s disallowed goal early in the game kept them level at half-time, prompting Gareth Southgate to make changes in the second half, with Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer coming on to answer calls for adjustments. Despite some chances, England failed to break down a resilient Slovenia side, highlighting concerns about their tournament-winning potential.
The match saw Conor Gallagher starting but being substituted at half-time, showing the impact of his use on the team. Declan Rice’s promise of a more front-foot display didn’t fully materialize, as England struggled to break down Slovenia’s defense. Benjamin Sesko, a promising player coming into the tournament, failed to make an impact on the game, raising questions about his readiness for the Premier League.
Harry Kane’s performance also came under scrutiny, with the captain facing difficulties in making an impact in the first half. England’s lackluster performance raised doubts about their readiness for the knockout stage. Despite securing progress to the round of 16, England’s performance against Slovenia didn’t inspire confidence in their ability to go all the way in the tournament.
The result meant that England finished top of Group C, avoiding tougher opponents in the knockout stages. With France dropping points against Poland, England had added motivation to win their final group match. The draw meant they would face a third-placed team in the next round, while Slovenia secured qualification as one of the four best third-placed teams. The performance against Slovenia highlighted the challenges England may face as they progress in the tournament.
Overall, England’s lackluster display against Slovenia raised concerns about their tournament-winning potential. Despite securing a spot in the round of 16, Gareth Southgate’s side struggled to break down a resilient opponent, highlighting the need for improvement in the knockout stages. With key players like Kane and Foden failing to shine, England will need to address their shortcomings if they are to progress further in Euro 2024.
