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England 0 Slovenia 0 – Southgate’s sluggish side fail to impress again but goalless draw secures top spot in Group C
Southgate ditched his failed experiment for the final group clash
HARRY KANE has vowed England will come good after their Slo Euros start continued.
Gareth Southgate’s men topped Group C and will face a third-placed team in a Gelsenkirchen last 16 on Sunday.
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But sluggish England again failed to impress against Slovenia - with just four shots on target in the goalless draw.
Kane said: “Look, these games are tough but we are in the knockouts and we have stepped up when we’ve got there in the past.
“Hopefully we can do the same but whoever we get, it’s going to be tough. It might take extra time, it might take penalties.
“It’s a difficult challenge ahead but we have more than enough quality to keep pushing forward.
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“The aim before the start of the tournament was to top the group and control our own destiny. That’s what we have done.
“This was another tough game but we played a lot better than the other two matches.
“We had more energy and were better on the ball, but we couldn’t find that final pass or goal.
“We created some half-chances but we just didn’t quite have that bit of quality.
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“The boys who came on did really well and kept the energy high and that’s what we need.
“We need everyone chipping in and that’s what we are doing so far.
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“Now we will recover well and look forward to the next game.”
Southgate and his players took major stick after the 1-1 draw with Denmark - but he made just one change.
The Trent Alexander-Arnold midfield experiment was scrapped as Conor Gallagher came in.
But the Chelsea man only lasted 45 minutes after another subdued first-half display from England.
The second half wasn’t much better as they failed to create any clear-cut chances.
Slovenia started better and Benjamin Sesko’s tame header was saved by Jordan Pickford in six minutes.
England had struggled to create in their first two games and they were pedestrian again in the opening 20 minutes.
Phil Foden was lively off the left and he squared to Bukayo Saka for an easy finish after a slick move.
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But the Manchester City midfielder strayed offside before crossing and the goal was ruled out.
Kane’s deflected effort was held by Slovenia keeper Jan Oblak.
The Atletico Madrid No1 also held a curling 25-yard free-kick from Foden.
Slovenia were working hard to stifle England but still carried a threat in attack.
Zan Karnicnik burst into the box but Marc Guehi cut out his powerful cross.
Southgate demanded more from his players as half-time approached.
Kane was being starved of service and Jude Bellingham was growing frustrated.
But Kieran Trippier’s cross should have been converted three minutes before the break.
Gallagher could only get the slightest headed flick on the ball and Kane was unable to make contact at the back post.
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The English fans weren’t happy and made their feelings clear when the half-time whistle sounded.
Southgate also wasn’t satisfied and replaced the ineffective Gallagher with Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo.
He got on the ball immediately but England still struggled to break down Slovenia.
Kane’s superb cross did find Jude Bellingham inside the box but his first touch let him down.
John Stones threatened with a header as England pinned Slovenia back.
But a mistake from Guehi let Andraz Sporar race free and the Crystal Palace man was booked for hauling him down.
Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer was finally summoned from the English bench for the last 20 minutes.
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He played off the right wing and was lively enough as Southgate’s men chased a winner.
But Slovenia keeper Oblak wasn’t tested at all until two minutes into injury time.
Kane’s clever flick after a brilliant move teed up Palmer for a low curling shot - but it was comfortably saved.
Alexander-Arnold, on a sub, then blazed over at the death - summing up England’s night.
But it was party time for Slovenia, who sealed their place in the last 16 as one of the best-third placed sides.
Stones said: “It’s not always going to be an easy road but we are pleased to top the group.
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“We played more free-flowing football and created more chances.
“It’s a step in the right direction. I understand the fans’ frustrations with us not scoring but that was a tough game.”
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