England booed off after drab goalless draw with Slovenia at Euro 2024
England secured top spot in Group C but it was another lacklustre showing from Gareth Southgate’s side
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England’s players were booed off after a 0-0 draw with Slovenia as fans made their displeasure known at the end of a drab showing in Cologne.
After heavy criticism for ponderous performances against both Serbia and Denmark, Gareth Southgate’s side were again lacklustre in their third and final Euro 2024 group game.
A point may have secured progression to the knockout rounds as Group C winners, but a team tipped by many ahead of the tournament to contend are yet to sparkle in Germany.
Boos could be heard both at the half-time interval and after referee Clement Turpin sounded the final whistle to bring the stalemate to an end.
Gareth Southgate had made a single change to his starting side, introducing Conor Gallagher to a malfunctioning midfield.
But the England manager abandoned his new combination after just 45 minutes, replacing the Chelsea man with Kobbie Mainoo.
Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon were also introduced for their first minutes of the tournament during the second half as Southgate sought a breakthrough, but it was not forthcoming.
The closest they came on another frustrating night was Bukayo Saka’s disallowed first half goal, chalked off with Phil Foden clearly offside in the build-up.
The neat passing move that set up Saka’s tap-in was a rarity across 90 minutes that again provoked more questions about England’s future at the tournament.
By topping their group, Southgate’s team have at least avoided the top half of the draw, which looks tougher on paper with Spain, Germany, France and Portugal the favourites for the quarter-finals.
England will instead face a third-placed team from Group D, E or F in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday 30 June.
Denmark and Slovenia also progress from Group C.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments