Gareth Southgate has seen his England side struggle against Slovenia, led by goalkeeper Matija Oblak and with Phil Foden and Declan Rice representing Manchester City respectively as its best players, yet they have failed to capitalize on that potential threat.
Kobbie Mainoo comes on for Trent Alexander-Arnold. A Palmer flick finds Kane who attempts a low shot that Oblak easily holds. In this article, we will discuss the main points of England National Football Team vs Slovenia National Football Team Timeline.
England XI vs Slovenia XI
Gareth Southgate made just one change to England’s starting XI for their final Group C match against Slovenia, yet they still struggled for energy and inspiration in an entertaining goalless draw. Although England dominated most of the play but were unable to break through an organized Slovenian defence led by Jan Oblak and featuring Vanja Drkusic and Jaka Bijol who led by example with some excellent playmaking of their own. Bukayo Saka came close to scoring an opener early on after superb passing from Declan Rice and Phil Foden but this goal was disallowed due to offside.
Beginnings were subdued, with both teams struggling to create chances. Kieran Trippier and Harry Kane failed to connect with crosses from the right, while Josip Ilicic and Benjamin Sesko combined well on the break, providing hosts a threat on breakaway play – though England were unable to exploit their pace and direct running ability.
An early set-piece sees Trippier lose possession, yet England remain excellent at retaining possession. A clever flick from Rice on the left finds Foden who progresses to reach the byline before cutting back to Kane only for his shot to be blocked.
After 31 minutes, England finally threatened with a swift one-two between Rice and Foden from Manchester City but were offside. A brilliant Oblak denied Foden his 25-yard free kick bid while an inviting Kieran Trippier cross somehow missed both Kane and Conor Gallagher.
Kobbie Mainoo replaces Conor Gallagher at halftime as Southgate searches for the perfect complement to Declan Rice in midfield, yet his introduction doesn’t solve Southgate’s dilemma – time will tell whether his presence provides England with enough physicality in midfield.
Start of the second half is calm as both teams attempt to maintain possession. A miscue from Slovenia allows them to gain possession, leading them to create an early cross that was quickly turned behind for a corner kick.
England XI vs Serbia XI
Before kickoff, England players pledged to press higher up the pitch against Serbia, and as soon as the first half has started they have certainly done just that. Gareth Southgate’s side are finding it difficult to break through an organized defence with Benjamin Sesko’s weak header being their only real chance on target; Bukayo Saka had his goal disallowed due to offside following an impressive Three Lions move.
England begin the game on a high note and quickly secure a corner kick within one minute. Guehi and Stones deliver a delicious ball into Kane at the edge of the box but he fails to connect, which allows their visitors to clear away.
Saka then attempts an acrobatic volley on the turn but Jan Oblak easily dealt with it and England weren’t creating any clear opportunities – which may prove problematic come the second half.
At the other end, Trippier inadvertently pushes Mitrovic in the back before being lucky to escape punishment as VAR review is initiated – another reminder to Serbian attackers looking dangerous on breakaways.
At halftime, England made a change, replacing Conor Gallagher with Kobbie Mainoo as they search for some proper width. Mainoo may have been chosen due to his inclusion.
Substitution has little impact as England remain struggling. Mainoo botches an attempted pass which results in a corner for Cologne; Jordan Henderson cannot deal with its delivery and an aggressive challenge by Skrtel on the edge of the box leads to him being booked – leading to an uncomfortable 45 minutes for England as they look for an early advantage in Cologne.
England XI vs Croatia XI
England’s miserable Euro 2024 campaign continued as they were held to a goalless draw by Slovenia at RheinEnergieStadion Stadium in Cologne. England controlled possession, yet failed to muster up a single shot on target against an aggressive Slovenia side defending well against them. Gareth Southgate’s side won Group C thanks to this result; however fans in attendance were left disappointed after another disappointing performance by a team widely touted as pre-tournament favourites.
England started strong, dominating early and appearing to take control of the match before miscommunication led to Jaka Bijol and Vanja Drkusic breaking through their defenses for some crucial breaks that allowed England to secure three crucial points from this tournament opener. But their opponents responded well; due to a series of poor passes allowing Jaka Bijol and Vanja Drkusic’s arrival they eventually overtook England with ease, ultimately taking all three.
Jan Oblak superbly turned Kieran Trippier’s long free kick over the bar while Phil Foden came close with a 25-yard shot that Jan did well to block out.
However, the hosts were guilty of squandering numerous opportunities during a dull first half, with Jordan Henderson and Harry Kane both shooting wide from within the box. Luke Shaw nearly gifted England an opening goal despite an assistant referee flag which prevented this happening.
England struggled to break through Slovenia’s determined defense in the second half. Although England looked dangerous on counter attacks, their final ball wasn’t cutting it while Trippier and Gary Cahill couldn’t link up enough on right wing.
The Three Lions were put under pressure throughout, as Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig presented a strong challenge to their back four and forced England into errors on multiple occasions. It was an indication of things to come, with former Three Lions needing to improve their passing from out wide if they want to advance past the knockout rounds.
Gareth Southgate has switched back to his preferred 3-5-2 formation with Trent Alexander-Arnold joining Raheem Sterling and Declan Rice in midfield. Captain Harry Kane should continue in a central striker position while Manchester City forward Phil Foden may feature as an attacker.
England XI vs Poland XI
At full time in RheinEnergieStadion, England played out a goalless draw to remain top of Group C alongside Slovenia and Denmark who also advanced. England will meet either Turkey or Georgia in the last 16 stage.
Gareth Southgate made just one change to his starting lineup on Tuesday, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold at right back with Kobbie Mainoo due to a knee injury sustained at Liverpool – likely ruling out playing further tournament games for Liverpool player.
England were poor with the ball, failing to make accurate passes from behind and lacking width on either flank – something which should give managers serious pause as they seek to build sides capable of competing at higher levels.
They needed something special and found it with their energetic start to the second half. Phil Foden made an impactful run down the left flank before crossing for Saka, whose header was offside. Kieran Trippier then caused damage with an intentional foul against Andraz Sporar that earned him a yellow card penalty.
Southgate could make another change by including Anthony Gordon or Jarrod Bowen on the bench as he searches for more options in midfield, although Declan Rice and Phil Foden will need to improve in possession if they’re to break through Slovenian defences.
Slovenia are strong and determined in defence, with Andraz Sporar and Marc Guehi exerting pressure on Trippier and Stones while Andraz Sporar and Marc Guehi creating havoc with England’s forward play despite an early promise of an excellent passing game between Foden and Rice.
The hosts require a better performance in the final 20 minutes to secure a crucial point and ease some pressure off themselves. Furthermore, they need to find ways to score, as Kylian Mbappe currently boasts a higher expected goal percentage (2.09) than any of their attackers.
This match can be watched live on both BT Sport in the UK and FS1 in the US, Fubo and Vix offer free seven-day trials of both services to view it live as well.
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