England face Slovenia at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne knowing only a win can guarantee them top two finish in Euro 2024 Group C. After two stalemates against Serbia and Denmark, Gareth Southgate needs something from this game to elevate his side up the table.
Trent Alexander-Arnold sits on the bench while Kobbie Mainoo joins Conor Gallagher in midfield.
Here we will discuss the main points or England National Football Team vs Slovenia National Football Team Timeline.
1. World Cup Qualifying Match
England must defeat Slovenia to increase their chances of reaching the knockout stage and increase their chances of qualifying for the knockout round. After losing one and drawing one of their opening two matches, England cannot afford any slipups if they want to reach the last 16.
Gareth Southgate made only one change from his team that was held to a 1-1 draw against Denmark, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold at left back with Kobbie Mainoo and replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold with Kobbie Mainoo at left back. England are superior when it comes to possession, yet lack a cutting edge when it comes to scoring goals in the final third; having scored just two goals across two matches at this tournament and still failing to find their mark against any of the competition’s bottom three teams yet!
Fabio Capello’s under-performing Three Lions defeated Slovenia 1-0 at the 2010 World Cup thanks to Jermain Defoe’s late winner. Now under Matjaz Kek’s tutelage, Slovenia are third in Group D but have never advanced past group stage competition at any European Championship tournament.
After eight minutes, England created their best chance when Phil Foden set Kieran Trippier up with an assist for Kane to receive a cross from Kieran Trippier that Jan Oblak easily saved with his header save. Vanja Drkusic and Zan Karnicnik’s determined defense has denied England any chances to make progress; Jaka Bijol and Andraz Sporar have proven a threat when attacking. England are currently trapped inside their own half, so hosts will need to remain alert in order to stop any counter-attacks by England in the final 15 minutes. England showed signs of progress despite their difficulties. Cole Palmer made an impactful addition, winning a free kick on the edge of the area before spinning and shooting; unfortunately his attempt was blocked and then defended by Slovenia. Mainoo played Palmer into position where she fired a low shot into Oblak’s chest; unfortunately it did not result in any goals scored.
2. Euro Qualifying Match
Gareth Southgate’s England national football team met Slovenia at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne on June 25, 2024 for their Euro 2024 Group C encounter, and they aimed to defeat them to secure top spot. Unfortunately for them though, despite dominating possession and territory they could not break through a disciplined Slovenia side and create any meaningful chances – leading to an eventual goalless draw and some booing from England fans at full time.
England struggled to create any significant chances in the first half, with Bukayo Saka’s tap-in being disallowed for offside, while there were occasional flashes of inspiration from England in the second half. Southgate made changes at half-time by replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold with Mainoo as midfielder failed to add any real boost for England and they remained unable to find their stride.
England needed some time to find their feet but once they did, they took control of the game. Their first effort on target came from a Kieran Trippier corner kick, with Kane mistiming his header; Foden then attempted a free kick that flew wide of target; gradually, England began playing more direct football with Danny Ings and Harry Kane looking like threat against Slovenia’s defence.
3. World Cup Qualifying Match
England and Slovenia share an illustrious history of meeting in high-stakes international matches, often in qualifying rounds for major tournaments like UEFA Euro or FIFA World Cup qualification rounds, creating memorable moments and intense drama. Their rivalry promises more thrilling matches in the future as England look to maintain their momentum while Slovenia seeks to challenge top European sides and secure tournament qualification.
Harry Kane scored an essential winner for England against Slovenia in their 2017 World Cup qualifier, marking a significant moment in Gareth Southgate’s tenure as manager and opening up new possibilities on their path towards Russia. This win marked another step along England’s journey toward their goal.
These teams meet again during UEFA Euro qualification round in 2022, an important test that could bolster England’s chances of reaching the final. However, Slovenia could gain valuable points towards final qualification phase by virtue of a win.
The opening 45 minutes are an uneventful encounter between both teams as neither can create clear cut opportunities. Phil Foden attempts to pass over Jan Oblak from outside the box but the Slovenian goalkeeper manages to gather it easily.
Even without scoring in the opening period, England are exerting pressure. Kieran Trippier sends in a cross which finds its way into Declan Rice who attempted to play it into Bukayo Saka’s path; however, assistant referee’s flag went up as offside was committed.
England have made strides to improve in the second half, moving the ball quickly and playing further up the pitch. Their improved play has paid dividends when Kane fires a shot from outside the box towards goal, leading to Jordan Pickford comfortably collecting their set piece corner corner. England then try creating an opportunity on the counter attack through fast moves from Cole Palmer and Kieran Gibbs before Gibbs crosses for Kane but his attempt at goal is blocked by another player.
4. Euro Qualifying Match
England were left disappointed as they drew 0-0 against Slovenia at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, failing to find their desired breakthrough and being punished by an efficient Slovenian team that featured goalkeeper Jan Oblak who handled everything they threw at him – another disappointing display for England that has become all too common over recent months.
England begins the game strong as Kieran Trippier manages to slip behind Slovenia’s defensive wall and provide crossing opportunities for Phil Foden and Harry Kane of Manchester City FC – unfortunately their opportunities go wasted and England’s attacking threat remains limited.
Bukayo Saka comes close to giving England a lead after 20 minutes but his strike is disallowed for being offside despite having ample space on the edge of the box. But then as time ticks on in the first half, play becomes stagnant.
At the close of the first half, Foden attempted a 25-yard free kick which was easily saved by Jan Oblak before Kieran Trippier crossed to Kane and Conor Gallagher went unanswered at the back post.
After the break England come out stronger. Jude Bellingham holds up play on the right and wins a corner kick, but eventually it is cleared away.
Mainoo enters the game and attempts to drive England forward by using his energy and focus. Unfortunately, his pass to Bellingham was blocked.
Cole Palmer had the chance to put England ahead in stoppage time but his shot went harmlessly wide of Jan Oblak and the game ended goalless. England remain at the top of Group C while Denmark could jump up into second if they beat Serbia; for their hosts though they will finish third regardless and face either Hungary or Croatia in the last 16. This has been an uncomfortable evening, but not yet time for panic.
