Slovenia also advanced to the Euro 2024 knockout stages with a 0-0 draw in Cologne, but England’s manager Gareth Southgate was welcomed with jeers and beer cups hurled by his own supporters despite his team winning Group C.
Although the Three Lions’ spot in the round of 16 was already guaranteed, they should prepare for more criticism following their lackluster efforts in edging past Serbia and drawing with Denmark.
“I understand that they are unhappy with me; that much is true. I refuse to back down from that. Regarding the supporters’ response, Southgate remarked, “I need them behind the team.”
“I was not going to back away from going over to thank people for coming and giving the support that they did, but I know that this is causing an issue for the group.”
The final group games on Wednesday will determine which of the top four third-place teams England will play in the round of 16.
But after Slovenia destroyed a star-studded forward line, further doubts will be raised about one of the favorites’ potential to snap a 58-year wait for major tournament gold.
“I felt that we were much better than the other teams in our play. England captain Harry Kane said, “We couldn’t just find that finish, but we look forward to the next one.”
Conor Gallagher replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold in the only change to the starting lineup from the first two games, and Southgate made a statement with his choice of players. If the England manager was expecting a reaction by sticking with the other ten players who have started all three games in Germany, he was let down. Slovenia is now nine games unbeaten, including a 2-0 victory over Portugal in a pre-tournament friendly.
Benjamin Sesko was their main threat, according to Declan Rice’s Monday commentary.
If Sesko hadn’t rejected the chance to extend his contract at RB Leipzig, he might have been starting alongside Rice for Arsenal the following campaign.
After bouncing back from an early thigh injury, the 21-year-old had the first opportunity of the match, heading weakly straight at Jordan Pickford four minutes in.
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