England look to silence critics at Euro in clash against Slovenia
COLOGNE: England plays Slovenia in their final Group C game at Euro 2024 on Tuesday. Negativity has surrounded Gareth Southgate’s team following their unconvincing 1-1 draw with Denmark, but England still tops the group on four points and a draw will be enough to guarantee them advances to the round of 16.
England’s 1-1 draw with Denmark has sparked heavy criticism of the team, despite them topping Group C and being likely to progress even if they loses to Slovenia. While England could still finish third, four points has always been enough to advance to the knockout phase of the Euros as one of the best third-placed teams. England beat Serbia 1-0 in their opening game. Winning the group would mean England faces one of the best third-placed teams from
Group D, E or F.
Slovenia - on two points - go into the game knowing they could finish top or botom of the group, depending on results.
Slovenia have drawn against Denmark and Serbia in their other games in Group C.
All 26 players in England’s squad were due to train on Monday, with speculation Luke Shaw could play for the first time at these Euros, having missed the end of the season with injury.
Southgate may decide to make a change in midfield ater experimenting with defender
Trent Alexander-arnold in a holding role. Conor Gallagher could partner Declan Rice instead.
Harry Kane scored a record-extending 64th goal for England in the game against Denmark.
Slovenia is playing in only their second Euros and are still waiting for their first win.
“We are very aware that our performances need to improve, but in terms of points and goals, we’re in a very similar situation to the last Euro and we’re comfortable with that.” England coach Gareth Southgate.
“We are now facing the last group game. We turn our thoughts towards England. They are clear favourites, but so were the Danes and the Serbs. So we need to lit our heads and prepare,” Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek.