England failed to deliver a much-needed performance as they laboured to a dispiriting 0-0 draw with Slovenia in Cologne.
Gareth Southgate’s side still qualified for the last 16 as group winners, meaning they will avoid Germany, Spain, Portugal and France until the final, but this was not a display to restore confidence that England should be considered among the favourites for Euro 2024.
Bukayo Saka had a goal disallowed in the first half and Phil Foden, their brightest player, tested Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak with a long-range free-kick. But genuine chances were few and far between as England limped into the knockouts.
Here’s how we rated the England players…
Jordan Pickford 6
Did not have a serious save to make and was largely a spectator, especially in a one-sided second half.
Kyle Walker 5
Got into some decent positions but his end product was missing. This felt like the kind of game where Southgate could have played Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back and had another ball player in the side.
John Stones 6
Dealt well with Slovenia’s physical front two, including Benjamin Sesko (who did not look fully fit), and composed in possession. Would be nice to see him step into midfield but that’s plainly not the game plan.
Marc Guehi 6
Another solid display from the Crystal Palace centre-back, who has a case to be England’s most consistent performer in Germany so far. Booked for a professional foul after making a hash of a high ball but mostly read the game well.
Kieran Trippier 5
Whipped in a back-post cross which Harry Kane nearly converted in the first half. His right-footedness and tendency to keep wide leaves England short of balance and thrust, but he recycled the ball well enough.
Declan Rice 6
England’s best moments came when he pushed high, showing what he can do with a first-time pass to Foden for Saka’s disallowed goal. Problem is, England looked open when he went forward and he was often stretched in the middle.
Did not solve England’s problems. There was still too little control and too few progressive passes. He was hooked for Kobbie Mainoo after just 45 minutes. Assuming he’s fit, this was a nightmare.
Jude Bellingham 5
A few lively moments but again failed to hit the heights of his first-half display against Serbia. Looks a little leggy, worryingly, and too casual.
Bukayo Saka 5
Had the ball in the net to cap England’s best move of the game – but Foden was offside. Could have been more aggressive against full-back Erik Janza who was booked early on.
Phil Foden 7
England’s brightest spark. Crossed for Saka to score after 20 minutes but had strayed narrowly offside and tested Oblak with a free-kick from range. Looked confident when he came central, strengthening his case to play No10.
Harry Kane 5
Played a couple of eye-catching balls from deep (he needs runners, surely) and happy to shoot on sight. Still not at his sharpest though and more than one attack broke down at his feet.
Subs
Kobbie Mainoo (Gallagher 45’) 7
Immediately offered more spark and control to a lifeless England. Used the ball well. Is the troublesome midfield spot now his to lose?
Cole Palmer (Saka 71’) 7
Made a positive impact and unlocked Slovenia with a couple of fine passes, before firing a late shot at Oblak. Has made his case to be England’s first impact sub but there’s already too many floaty forwards in the XI.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Trippier 84’) 6
Back at full-back, he could not summon up a late piece of magic to revive England.
Anthony Gordon (Foden 90’) N/A
Had limited time to impress here but surely has a case to start on the left with Foden in the middle in the last 16.
