After an underwhelming start, England begin to gain ground as Phil Foden charges down the left flank and his cross is touched in by Saka, but was disallowed for offside. Kieran Trippier and Stones appear to be working well together.
Gallagher comes on for Alexander-Arnold and England’s play without the ball is far more energetic, though they appear to be lacking some vital connections. In this article, we will discuss the high lights of England National Football Team vs Slovenia National Football Team Standings.
England: Pickford
Gareth Southgate can take heart from his Three Lions’ inability to breach a strong and determined Slovenian side, and they won 0-0 against them with no goals scored against an opposition ranked 57th globally despite failing to find an opening goal against them. But their inability to find any open space against their former manager, Josip Mejdon from 2020 he managed as well will pile more pressure onto Gareth Southgate as they prepare for the next stage of competition.
Everton goalkeeper Pickford was in impressive form again, making a series of smart saves and looking assured in possession. The result of 0-0 means he now holds more clean sheets in major tournaments than any English goalkeeper in history.
Southgate made one alteration to his starting XI, switching out Conor Gallagher for Kobbie Mainoo in midfield. While this change did not impact on England’s overall performance, Kieran Trippier was more active on the right flank while Declan Rice and Phil Foden attempted to link up together offensively; however, their attempts were often blocked by Slovakia’s strong defence led by Jan Oblak.
Trippier
England have struggled against Slovenia, failing to create any clear-cut chances. Their destiny in the knockout rounds will remain unknown until Wednesday’s final group stage matches have concluded. Gareth Southgate substituted midfielder Conor Gallagher with Kobbie Mainoo and England showed increased sharpness on the ball after half time; though Phil Foden and Harry Kane appeared uninspired thus far.
Kieran Trippier took a free kick on the left wing, took it himself and crossed dangerously but neither Kane nor Foden could reach it with their heads. Later he spun around to shoot but Jan Oblak came quickly and saved it from going in.
Manchester United defender Phil Jones pushes forward again and wins a corner that is cleared away for a throw-in. Trippier puts in a low cross that neither Kane or Foden can turn home; Trent Alexander-Arnold attempts to outwit his marker but fires in a shot which is blocked.
Stones
Stones has made his name as a solid defensive performer since first making his debut for Barnsley aged 17. After building up a positive reputation at Barnsley, he moved on to Everton for around PS3 million in January 2013 where he would play 95 times before moving on to Manchester City under Pep Guardiola’s tutelage and finding much success there.
He was an essential component of England’s defensive line against an organized Slovenia side and helped keep them out. Furthermore, he showed good recovery pace when tracking possession back down.
Manchester City player Victor Vassell displayed dangerous play in possession, quickly closing down opponents who attempted to play through him. He must improve his distribution and decision-making abilities at the back however.
Bellingham
While England began with promise and early favourite status in mind, their second period performance raised familiar concerns regarding their ability to maintain control and seal off victories. Bellingham provided one bright spark – scoring at both World Cup and Euro tournaments before turning 21! He made history when his 13th-minute header from Bukayo Saka’s deflected cross became his only goal before turning 21 years old.
Kieran Trippier, Declan Rice and Phil Foden all benefitted from his energy and quality, but his most significant role was connecting England’s left flank to their attack as a whole. Furthermore, he was an enthusiastic runner who demonstrated strong tackler qualities with his late foul on Kane as evidence.
Substitute Kobbie Mainoo was a welcome source of pace, while Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer performed admirably. But Southgate must still find ways to extract more out of his squad – particularly Ezri Konsa and Kyle Walker who remain part of it – if he wishes for consistent performances from his side.
Rice
England’s lack of pace and width remains an ongoing source of criticism, highlighted in their 1-1 draw with Serbia as well as contributing significantly to their defeat to Denmark in their opening match.
The problem has long been present and may never fully be addressed; its roots appear to run deep within the squad itself and Southgate must address it immediately.
He has attempted to address this by recruiting Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer but to no avail; talent exists, yet none seem capable of linking together and finding each other in midfield.
Southgate made an adjustment at half-time when he replaced Gallagher with Kobbie Mainoo, seemingly giving the Three Lions some added spark but still struggling against Slovenia’s firm defence.
Kane
England never appeared capable of breaking down the Slovenian defence despite having the upper hand in terms of possession. They were too predictable when handling the ball and couldn’t find that crucial pass to open up an opening in their way.
Second half action begins more brightly and sharply, though no real opportunities present themselves. Foden attempts to play Kane behind the defence, but his touch was off and Oblak easily collected it. Walker hopes to volley a cross from right, but its flight is well wide of goal.
Gareth Southgate makes an early change, introducing Kobbie Mainoo for Conor Gallagher. Mainoo immediately improves England’s play without the ball and could prove key for them in this tournament. He immediately linked up well with Bellingham to give fullbacks a rest while Coleman provided energy as central midfielder in central midfield; all in all it was an excellent debut performance for Chelsea-bound Mainoo.
Foden
Foden has been one of the stand-out players at Manchester City and since earning his first international call-up with England senior team in August 2020 he has proven himself worthy. A key midfield player alongside Declan Rice and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Foden has proven to be one of their finest.
England have been unsuccessful in breaking through Slovenia’s well-organized defense and Jan Oblak in goal. Bukayo Saka had an attempt disallowed for offside after 19 minutes; only then did Harry Kane manage a shot on target that was easily dealt with by Oblak.
Gareth Southgate introduced Kobbie Mainoo at half-time as a replacement for Conor Gallagher, yet the Arsenal youngster was unable to ignite England’s attack and give them some fresh impetus up front. Although England kept Slovenia pinned back inside their own box with effective defensive work, they still need something extra up front in terms of inspiration or urgency to complement it all – but are through to the knockout round nonetheless, as they await Wednesday’s winner between Denmark and Serbia!
Palmer
England have struggled to create any real chances at Euro 2024 so far and this was evident again during a goalless draw with Slovenia. Gareth Southgate made one change by dropping Trent Alexander-Arnold for Conor Gallagher midfield but this did not significantly change their performance.
At half-time, England fans expressed some displeasure as its possession had not translated to chances. Although second half was better, England still needed something extra to spark them back into action.
Cole Palmer made his tournament debut with 20 minutes remaining and found success combining with Foden to open space on the left flank, but his shot went straight at Jan Oblak; Manchester City forward he hopes to be back for next week’s final group stage game against Croatia.
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