England vs Slovenia player ratings: Phil Foden improved but Gareth Southgate's side still searching for spark – Sky Sports
Football
England confirmed as Group C winners after underwhelming Slovenia stalemate; Gareth Southgate’s side will play a third-placed team on Sunday at 5pm; opposition will be confirmed on Wednesday – it could be Netherlands
By Laura Hunter
Wednesday 26 June 2024 08:01, UK
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
England have topped Group C after a goalless draw against Slovenia – ranked 57th in the world – who also sealed progression as the pool’s third-placed side.
Here, Sky Sports rates the England players’ performances in Cologne…
Only had one save to make. Can be assured of being busier as the tournament progresses, but swept up well enough.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Plays the role of covering defender, utilising his electric pace, really well – which was needed in the opening exchanges. Got more to give going forwards, and will undoubtedly be tested with greater frequency in the knockout phase.
The positive: England have only conceded 1.13 xGA all tournament. The pragmatic: still waiting for the ‘step out of defence Stones’ we see playing regularly for Manchester City in the Premier League to show up. Perhaps he’s under instruction to be cautious but there’s more to offer, surely? A calming voice, nonetheless.
Solid. Questions were asked of his positional intelligence a few times in the first half and he passed with flying colours – front-footed too. Any signs of a flap on his major tournament debut? Not yet, albeit he did pick up a yellow card following a rare mix-up with Stones.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Got booked for an early foul and was caught upfield on a few occasions. Much brighter on the ball, teasing a particularly good cross from the left towards Kane first half, and linked productively with Foden in fleeting moments.
England’s route and last 16 opponents
Euro 2024 live group tables
Download the Sky Sports App
Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp
Fluency in midfield remains a problem, and dare we say it, Rice is missing his mate. No one is suggesting Kalvin Phillips was in any condition to feature at this tournament but familiarity, or lack of, is a major problem for England. No connections, no creativity. As Gary Neville summarised during ITV’s half-time analysis, England look “basic”, and ideas are lacking most in the middle third of the pitch. Did improve as the game went on.
Sloppy. Lost the ball more times than he retained it, but was, at least, aggressive and combative out of possession. Hooked at half-time does not exactly scream positivity, though.
Untidy in possession, and failed, for the most part, to recover his composure. Anonymous after half time. We’d like Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham to arrive in Germany, please.
Typically energetic. Wanted the ball, and was positive with it. Perhaps lacking in end product but remains one of England’s brighter sparks.
Kane’s first touch inside the box came in the 28th minute but he lost the ball. Six more followed, none managed to make an impact. Plenty of huff and puff but questions will remain over the captain’s fitness following another indifferent display. England have generated the fourth-worst combined xG (2.26) of any team at the tournament.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Willing to run behind, with Kane dropping ever deeper to link play. Bit of quick movement and ingenuity nearly produced the opening goal, which Saka rounded off before the offside flag was raised. By far England’s most dynamic attacking threat.
Confident. Tried to change the pace of England’s passing to good effect. Ready to run, happy to receive the ball in tight areas, and looked to play forwards. Improved midfield balance too – got to be in with a shout of starting in the last-16 game this weekend.
Positive. Direct. Gave England’s flank a different dimension. Shot in stoppage time lacked conviction but at least he was well-placed to take it on. He’s unpredictable in the very best way.
Confirmed: the midfield experiment is over. Alexander-Arnold spent the final six minutes of this game at full-back.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Despite coming on at 89 minutes, Gordon created more chances (one) than Saka, Gallagher and Bellingham combined (zero).
Correctly predict six scorelines for a chance to win £250,000 for free. Entries by 3pm Saturday.
© 2024 Sky UK
