Five things we learnt from England 0-0 Slovenia

England moved into the knockout stages of EURO2024 by finishing at the top of Group C, despite a drab 0-0 draw against Slovenia in Köln. Gareth Southgate’s side offered slightly more than they did in their abysmal performance against Denmark, but it was nowhere near enough to justify England’s status as pre-tournament favourites. Here are five key takeaways from the match.

Foden’s flair shines in an otherwise dreary display

Amid a lacklustre team performance, Phil Foden stood out as England’s most effective player. The Manchester City star was lively throughout, delivering quality crosses, and came close to scoring from a free-kick. His ability to take on defenders and create space was one of the few positives in an otherwise dull England display.

Foden’s interplay with Bellingham, especially when the Real Madrid midfielder dropped deeper to give Foden more space, provided glimpses of what England could achieve if more players were on the same wavelength. However, Foden’s efforts were not enough to mask the overall shortcomings of the team, and he will need more support from his teammates if England are to progress further in the tournament.

Possession without purpose highlights England’s struggles

England’s performance was characterised by a staggering 74% possession, yet they struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organised Slovenia defence. The Three Lions were often guilty of playing too many sideways and backward passes, which allowed Slovenia to maintain their compact shape and frustrate England’s attacking efforts.

Despite the disallowed goal from Bukayo Saka, which came from a rare moment of quick, incisive passing, England’s overall play lacked the tempo and urgency needed to break down stubborn defences. The fans’ frustration was palpable, with boos ringing out at both half-time and full-time, reflecting the disappointment in the team’s inability to turn possession into meaningful opportunities.

Mainoo’s bright start exposes midfield issues

Gareth Southgate’s England team once again revealed a glaring midfield problem that needs urgent attention. Conor Gallagher was handed a starting role but failed to justify his inclusion, resulting in his replacement by Manchester United teenager Kobbie Mainoo at half-time.

Mainoo’s introduction provided a spark that had been missing, bringing urgency and creativity to England’s play. His positive contributions, including linking up well with Jude Bellingham, showed that he could be a solution to England’s midfield woes.

However, the constant chopping and changing of midfield partners for Declan Rice highlights Southgate’s ongoing struggle to find the right balance. The failure of both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Gallagher in this role has left England looking disjointed and lacking in coherence.

Late substitutes ignite a brief spark

Southgate’s substitutions had a noticeable impact on the game, but they came too late to change the outcome. The introduction of Cole Palmer injected much-needed pace and energy, with Palmer creating a late chance for Declan Rice that went narrowly wide. Similarly, Anthony Gordon’s entry brought a fresh attacking threat, but the changes failed to yield the desired result. Southgate’s decision to stick with a cautious approach and only make bold substitutions when England were struggling highlights a recurring theme of reactive rather than proactive management. With the knockout stages looming, Southgate needs to show more decisiveness and willingness to utilise the full potential of his squad from the start.

Slovenia’s defensive discipline thwarts England

Credit must be given to Slovenia for their disciplined and organised performance. Playing in a 4-4-2 low block, they remained compact and allowed England to have the ball but restricted their progress to the middle third of the pitch. Slovenia’s game management tactics, especially in the second half, were exemplary, as they disrupted England’s rhythm and nullified their attacking threats.

The defensive solidity of Slovenia, coupled with the occasional threat on the counter, provided a blueprint for how to frustrate a more talented opponent. This disciplined approach ultimately earned them a valuable point and a place in the last 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.

England’s goalless draw against Slovenia leaves more questions than answers as they head into the knockout stages of EURO2024. The ongoing midfield crisis, pedestrian play, and reactive substitutions have cast doubt on England’s status as pre-tournament favourites. Despite the positives from Phil Foden and Kobbie Mainoo, the Three Lions must significantly raise their game if they are to make a deep run in the competition. With tougher opponents awaiting and the fans’ trust wearing thin, Southgate and his team have a lot of work to do to restore confidence and deliver the performances expected of them.

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