England look to immediately bounce back from a disappointing 1-1 draw with Denmark last week as they face Slovenia in their final group game at Euro 2024 tonight.
Gareth Southgate’s side sit top of the group on four points, knowing that a win will take them through in first place and straight to a last-16 tie in Gelsenkirchen on 30 June. But before them stands a plucky Slovenia side who were unlucky not to beat Serbia in their most recent group game. Having drawn their first game to Denmark, they sit on two points and know that a win (and perhaps even a draw) will see them into the round of 16.
The Three Lions have put themselves in a decent position in the group, but the pressure is on as nothing other than a win – and perhaps one that reminds us of their previous billing among the tournament favourites – will be enough for many back at home.
Follow all the latest updates from England’s final group game below.
Woeful start from England
England needed a reaction but after 15 minutes it’s arguably even… worse? So many of the connections within this structure look broken when England are on the ball, as evidenced by a number of passes that have been off target so far. Slovenia look solid in their shape, and are finding it pretty easy to cut through England too.
Jamie Braidwood25 June 2024 20:17
England 0-0 Slovenia
15 mins: Harry Kane is being man marked every time he comes deep to receive the ball. Phil Foden moves inside and switches positions with the captain to try and draw away a defender.
John Stones, perhaps thinking about the next pass, miscontrols the ball and it bounces out for a throw in.
Mike Jones25 June 2024 20:16
England 0-0 Slovenia
12 mins: It’s a hot evening in Cologne which could make things more difficult as the game goes on. England have possession but can’t break the Slovenian lines.
Their opponents look pretty comfortable at the minute.
Mike Jones25 June 2024 20:14
England 0-0 Slovenia
9 mins: Declan Rice receives the ball and looks to pass it back. He’s got no options on and decides to spin and drive forward. England go with him as the ball is slotted over to Harry Kane.
Kane shakes off a defender then looks to slip Phil Foden into the box but the pass is intercepted.
Mike Jones25 June 2024 20:10
England 0-0 Slovenia
The first opportunity comes to Slovenia who switch the play and whip a cross into the box from the left wing. The delivery picks out Petar Stojanovic who nods it back across the box.
Benjamin Sesko is there to win the second header but nods it straight to Jordan Pickford.
Mike Jones25 June 2024 20:06
England 0-0 Slovenia
3 mins: England’s players spoke about pressing up the pitch and there’s an early display as Harry Kane sprints to close down goalkeeper Jan Oblak with Phil Foden pushing up on Vanja Drkusic as Slovenia attempt to play out from the back.
Decent work off the ball from the Three Lions.
Mike Jones25 June 2024 20:03
Kick off! England 0-0 Slovenia
England get the ball rolling in Cologne for this final group stage match, Jordan Pickford belts it forward on the right wing. England recover possession then slot the ball back to their defence.
Mike Jones25 June 2024 20:01
England vs Slovenia
England are led out by Harry Kane who will be hoping his team put in a better performance this evening. A win for the Three Lions will put them to the top of the group and land them in a slightly easier side of the draw.
Slovenia have never beaten England but they’ve played well so far in the tournament and will have their sights set on an upset.
Mike Jones25 June 2024 19:55
England vs Slovenia
Slovenia are unbeaten in their last eight games in all competitions (W4 D4), only enjoying a longer unbeaten run once in their history (9 games between September 2020 and March 2021).
Mike Jones25 June 2024 19:52
England vs Slovenia
Harry Kane has scored five goals in his last six Euros appearances, with only Wayne Rooney (6) and Alan Shearer (7) scoring more European Championship goals for England.
Mike Jones25 June 2024 19:47