A goalless draw at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne on 25 June 2024 saw England 0–0 Slovenia, closing out Group C with a subdued performance from Gareth Southgate’s side. The result was enough to see England finish top of the group, but the display once again raised questions about their creativity and attacking cohesion. For Slovenia, it was a night of joy, the draw secured their place in the knockout rounds of a major tournament for the first time in their history.

Match Recap

England came into the game already qualified for the round of 16, while Slovenia needed at least a point to guarantee progression. From the first whistle, England dominated possession, around 70 percent of it, but struggled to translate control into chances.

First Half:
The first half was characterised by slow, predictable play from England. Their most promising moment came early when Bukayo Saka turned home a low cross from Phil Foden, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside in the build-up. Beyond that, England offered little threat. Slovenia, meanwhile, defended deep and compactly, with Benjamin Šeško’s tame header, comfortably gathered by Jordan Pickford, their only real effort of note.

At the interval, Conor Gallagher was replaced by Kobbie Mainoo, who immediately added a touch of calm and purpose to England’s midfield play.

Second Half:
The pattern remained largely the same after the break, England probing, Slovenia holding firm. The introduction of Cole Palmer around the 70th minute finally brought some spark, as he combined neatly with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham to create half-chances, including one late shot that tested Jan Oblak. Despite England’s sustained pressure, Slovenia’s defensive organisation held strong, and the match fizzled out without serious goalmouth drama.

When the final whistle blew, the reactions could not have been more different: disappointment and frustration from England’s fans, but jubilation from Slovenia’s players, who celebrated a historic qualification.

Key Talking Points

1. Possession without penetration
England controlled the ball for long periods but looked unimaginative in the final third. Their build-up was slow, and there was little movement to unsettle Slovenia’s back line. Despite all the possession, Oblak was rarely tested.

2. Slovenia’s defensive discipline
Slovenia’s approach was simple but highly effective, stay compact, close the gaps, and frustrate England’s attackers. Jaka Bijol and Vanja Drkusic were excellent at the heart of defence, while captain Jan Oblak led by example.

3. Mainoo and Palmer’s cameos
Kobbie Mainoo’s introduction brought composure and quicker passing through midfield, while Cole Palmer’s late cameo showed why many fans had been calling for his inclusion earlier. Both offered flashes of promise in an otherwise stagnant attack.

4. Frustrated fans and pressure on Southgate
When the final whistle sounded, boos rang around the stadium. Southgate attempted to acknowledge supporters, but frustration was palpable. England may have topped the group, but questions about their tactics and attacking structure are growing louder.

5. Slovenia’s historic progression
For all of England’s struggles, this was Slovenia’s night. The draw meant they remained unbeaten in the group stage, a remarkable achievement for a nation often considered outsiders. It was a reward for resilience, unity, and a clear defensive identity.

What It Means for Group C

England finished top of Group C with five points, having scored just two goals across three games. Denmark and Slovenia both ended with three points apiece and identical goal difference and goals scored, but Slovenia took second place thanks to a better disciplinary record. Serbia finished bottom with two points. The result ensured that England avoided the tournament’s biggest names, including France, Germany, and Spain, in the early knockout rounds. For Slovenia, this draw wrote a new chapter in their football history: their first ever appearance in the knockout stages of a major tournament.

Final Verdict

England’s group-stage campaign ended in relief rather than celebration. They got the job done, topping the group, but their performances have left plenty to ponder. There are flashes of quality, but the attacking rhythm remains missing. Southgate’s side will need to rediscover their spark quickly if they are to make a deep run.

For Slovenia, this was a night of immense pride. Compact, disciplined, and fearless, they executed their plan perfectly. Against one of Europe’s strongest squads, they held their nerve and earned their reward.

England march on, but the murmurs of discontent will only fade with better football. Slovenia, meanwhile, march into uncharted territory, and fully deserve their moment.