This is not the performance that will allow the English players to silence the critics. After two failed attempts against Serbia (1-0) and Denmark (1-1), they were once again the authors of a very disappointing match against Slovenia (0-0).
The English did score a goal in the first period, but the referee of the match, Frenchman Clément Turpin, rightly refused it for an offside position.
Gareth Southgate’s men will, however, be able to be satisfied with finishing in first place in Group C ahead of Denmark and Slovenia (also qualified) and Serbia (eliminated).
The only suspense of the evening lay in the identity of the team which would finish second in the group. Tied on number of points (three each), in their head-to-head match (1-1), overall goal difference (0), number of goals scored (2) and number of cautions (6), Danes and Slovenes were finally decided on the last criterion: the ranking established at the end of the Euro qualifiers. In this little game, it is Denmark who finishes second and who will have the pleasure of facing Germany.
What you must remember
- The cador. Adam Gnezda Cerin
Hard to find, but the UEFA observer panel finally designated the Slovenian environment: “He worked tirelessly in his midfield role, closing down spaces and organizing the players around him to earn his team a well-deserved draw. »
Out of four participations in a major tournament (two World Cups and two Euros), this is the first time that Slovenia has passed the group stage. Matjaz Kek’s men are guaranteed to finish among the best thirds at the end of the first round. They will face either the winner of Group F (Portugal) or the winner of Group E (Romania, Belgium, Slovakia or Ukraine).
- The turning point of the match: the goal denied to Bukayo Saka
On a very nice English move on the left of the Slovenian area, Phil Foden passes towards Kieran Trippier, who finds Declan Rice in the middle. In one touch, he found Foden, who had gone behind the defense. The Englishman advances towards goal and serves Bukayo Saka, who scores in the empty cages. A superb collective action, but a goal rightly canceled for an offside of a few centimeters by Foden on Rice’s pass.
The match could then have taken another turn, but it sank into boredom.
- The phrase : “We played better than in the first two games. » Harry Kane, the England captain, commenting on his team’s performance.
- Nutrisport: E
Probably the worst match of this Euro 2024. No goals, very few chances and intensity.
