European Football Championship
England struggles to win group – Slovenians celebrate
The Three Lions around Harry Kane once again showed a tough performance against Slovenia. Photo
© Marius Becker/dpa
Title contender England disappointed in their third European Championship match, but for the time being avoided a duel with hosts Germany. Bayern star Kane remains confident that the Slovenians will also advance.
With the 0-0 draw, the Three Lions at least avoided an early duel with hosts Germany because Denmark and Serbia also played 0-0 at the same time. “We are in the knockout round. We have always improved in the knockout rounds, we have to do that again. We are looking forward to the round of 16,” said captain Kane.
Danes ahead of Slovenia in fair play ranking
In front of 41,536 spectators, the Bayern star and his colleagues delivered another lethargic performance. Criticism at home is likely to increase. Slovenia, on the other hand, fought passionately to secure third place behind Germany’s opponents Denmark and is also in the round of 16. After the same number of points and the same goal difference, the fair play rating decided in favor of the 1992 European champions, who will face the DFB eleven in Dortmund on Saturday (9 p.m.).
There is no sign of the Three Lions being able to win the title. England will have to improve significantly before the round of 16 on Sunday (6 p.m.) in Gelsenkirchen to avoid an early defeat three years after reaching the final at Wembley. Their possible opponent is the Netherlands, who lost 2:3 to Austria earlier in the evening and slipped to third place in Group D.
Good memories of Cologne
Tens of thousands of English fans had enjoyed a wonderful summer day on the Rhine before the game. By lunchtime, the pubs and restaurants were already full. The Three Lions’ supporters were clearly in the majority and sang “Dancing in the Dark” by Bruce Springsteen, which is now as much a part of this European Championship as jumping Dutchmen in orange.
One or two particularly loyal supporters brought good memories with them to Cologne, where England had already won their group at the 2006 World Cup. That was the goal this time too. After a few tough days with harsh criticism, coach Southgate nevertheless did what he has been doing since taking office in 2016: he didn’t change much.
With the usual white polo shirt and only one substitution – Conor Gallagher for Trent Alexander-Arnold – after the 1-1 draw against Denmark, the team should gain momentum for the knockout phase, which has been safely reached since Monday evening.
Slovenia dares
But many things were reminiscent of the first two botched performances, where only the result was right for the European Championship favorites. Jude Bellingham and John Stones made sloppy passes, and one mistake followed another. And although the clear underdog from Slovenia only needed one point, coach Matjaz Kek’s team dared to go on the offensive in the face of their passive opponents. Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko (5th) missed the first opportunity with a header.
England’s class only shone through sporadically, for example after 20 minutes: After a great combination involving Declan Rice and Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka scored what appeared to be the opening goal. But Foden had previously been clearly offside.
England even more lax than before
Kane also had a tough time against the powerful Slovenian central defenders, his first attempts to score were blocked or caught by goalkeeper Jan Oblak. Gallagher and Kane missed a sharp cross just before half-time, which was England’s best chance. An English lead at half-time would not have been deserved after another weak 45 minutes. The performance seemed even more lackluster than in the previous games.
Southgate then brought on youngster Kobbie Mainoo, who was clearly unhappy with his mini-role so far. But not much was happening on the pitch. Due to a lack of impressive attacks, the English fans even cheered loudly for every corner kick from their team, which was clearly struggling with the physical opponent. A powerful shot from Rice (73′) went just wide of the far corner.