England finished top of Group C but could not find a way through a determined Slovenia team, who qualified from a EURO group stage for the first time.
Slovenia’s players celebrate their first ever qualification for the EURO knockout phase
England finished top of Group C while Slovenia qualified for a EURO knockout stage for the first time in their history after the sides shared a goalless draw in Cologne.Key moments
5′: Šeško header first attempt on target
40′: Kane close to converting Trippier cross
90+2′: Palmer effort saved by Oblak
Match in brief: No way through for England
The first half in Cologne was a cagey affair
Gareth Southgate brought in Conor Gallagher following the draw against Denmark but it was an unchanged Slovenia side that settled more quickly, Benjamin Šeško heading the game’s first chance directly at Jordan Pickford. Harry Kane and Phil Foden threatened from distance for England but Slovenia continued to come forward, with Žan Karničnik finding joy down the right.
The Three Lions came closest to breaking the first-half deadlock five minutes before the break, a full-stretch Kane unable to turn in Kieran Trippier’s back-post cross. Southgate brought on Kobbie Mainoo at the restart and England raised the tempo. A concerted period of pressure brought no goals, though – and no huge scares for Slovenia.
Cole Palmer’s introduction gave his team some impetus but Slovenia’s defending was resolute and organised. Palmer went close following a sweeping move but Jan Oblak was down to save comfortably enough. The final whistle sparked joyous celebration for the Slovenian players and their fans as they confirmed their place in a EURO knockout phase for the first time.
Vivo Player of the Match: Adam Gnezda Čerin (Slovenia)
Worked tirelessly in his role in midfield, closing the spaces and organising the players around him to allow his team to get a well-deserved draw.
Joe Terry, England reporter
Another evening of frustration for England. Unlike the previous matches against Serbia and Denmark, it wasn’t a case of Southgate’s players retreating into their shell, as the game was largely played on the edge of Slovenia’s box. However, similar issues with unpicking low blocks were there again. The crucial point is England are through in top spot, but they do need to find more dynamism.
Grega Sever, Slovenia reporter
It is a hard fought draw for Slovenia, who again showed their discipline and indomitable team spirit. Sure, England had much more possession, but their chances were few and far between. Slovenia, buoyed by their faithful fans, have survived their group stage without a defeat and are at the gates of paradise now.
Reaction
Harry Kane went closest for England before the break
Scenes of jubilation greeted the final whistle from the Slovenia team
Key stats
- Slovenia have qualified for a EURO knockout round for the first time.
- Slovenia have lost only two of their last 17 competitive matches (W8 D7).
- England have completed their fourth successive EURO group stage without losing a match.
- The Three Lions have qualified for the EURO knockout rounds for their fifth finals in a row.
- England are unbeaten in their last 14 EURO group stage matches (W8 D6).
Line-ups
England: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guéhi, Trippier (Alexander-Arnold 84); Gallagher (Mainoo 46), Rice; Saka (Palmer 71), Bellingham, Foden (Gordon 89); Kane
Slovenia: Oblak; Karničnik, Drkušić, Bijol, Janža (Balkovec 90+1); Stojanović, Čerin, Elšnik, Mlakar (Stanković 86); Šporar (Celar 86), Šeško (Iličić 75)