England appear to have accomplished their mission so far: they have topped the group unbeaten and are in a favourable part of the draw for the knockout round of the Euros.
But it will be difficult to explain that to the fans, who booed their team and threw beer glasses as soon as the game ended.
“I have not seen a team qualify and be treated in a similar way,” lamented manager Gareth Southgate. England advanced to the last 16 of Euro 2024 as top of Group C after a goalless draw with Slovenia on Sunday.
The result at the Cologne Stadium also saw Slovenia advance to the round of 16, while Croatia were eliminated.
In a game of few chances, England substitute Cole Palmer missed the chance to secure the win in stoppage time. His shot was saved by Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
England were already assured of qualification. Topping the group means they will play one of the third-placed teams in the next round. They are on the opposite side of the draw from Spain, France, Germany and Portugal.
“That was the aim before the tournament started: to top the group and control our destiny,” said England captain Harry Kane. “I thought we played much better than the other two games. We just couldn’t finish it off. I’m looking forward to the next round.”
England were once again short of ideas and could have fallen behind early on when Benjamin Sesko was free inside the area to head home. His header lacked power and direction and was easily saved by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Bukayo Saka had a first-half goal ruled out for offside and Palmer came close late on, but England rarely looked close to victory.
England lost the previous Euro final on penalties to Italy. They have not won a major tournament since the World Cup they hosted in 1966.
Slovenia have not appeared at the Euros for 24 years and are only competing in the tournament for the second time.
Second place in the group went to Denmark, which advanced after a goalless draw with Serbia. Their reward? A match against host Germany on Saturday in Dortmund.— AP
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2024-07-04 05:02:11