Underwhelming England sealed top spot in Group C but hardly issued a statement of intent ahead of the Euro 2024 knockout rounds as they toiled to a 0-0 draw with Slovenia, who progressed for the first time in their history today.
For the third game in row England’s fans were left frustrated as a team billed as pre-tournament favourites managed a paltry three attempts on target in a dour clash.
While England have big questions to answer, Slovenia’s players and raucous fans celebrated wildly as the draw ensured they finished the group in third spot after three draws.
England, who had already qualified for the last 16 with a game to spare, ended the group stage with five points but managed only two goals in three games.
Slovenia finished with three points in third spot, the same as second-placed Denmark who were held to a 0-0 draw by Serbia.
Although they had the same goal difference, goals scored and disciplinary record, the Danes advanced in second place with UEFA saying they would clarify the process by which the nations were separated later.
While the final whistle sparked delirium in the Slovenian ranks, many England fans left before the end and vented their frustration as they players walked to greet them, booing and throwing a few plastic glasses on to the pitch.
“We can be proud of finishing top, it’s not easy in these major tournaments,” captain Harry Kane said.
“It was a tough game but probably our best performance of the three, energy with the ball, we pressed better, but we lacked a bit of magic in the final third. But that will come.”
England enjoyed 72 per cent possession and completed 694 passes compared to the 208 of their opponents but very few of them caused any real concern in the Slovenia defence in which Vanja Drkusic and Jaka Bijol were both outstanding.
On the plus side for England, they have ended up in the opposite side of the knockout draw to France, Germany, Spain and Portugal and there was a bright cameo off the bench for Cole Palmer who injected some much-needed flair while Kobbie Mainoo also impressed after coming on for the second half.
“They had a good impact for us and did good things,” England manager Gareth Southgate said. “There were a lot of things to build on from tonight.”
On the reaction of the fans, he said: “It’s so important that they stay with the team, however they feel towards me.”