England stuttered to a 0-0 draw against Slovenia tonight, although the point was enough to top Group C at Euro 2024 thanks to results elsewhere.
The introduction of Conor Gallagher in midfield did little to change England's approach in this fixture, with Gareth Southgate's side looking incredibly pedestrian on the ball during the opening half. Outside of a disallowed Bukayo Saka goal, they failed to create a chance of note during the first 45 minutes.
Slovenia did not really threaten at the other end, but they looked incredibly comfortable in defending their own box. Their opponents certainly made life easier for them with their apparent refusal to move the ball at pace.
Gallagher was replaced by Kobbie Mainoo at halftime, but it did little to improve England. They were content to pass the ball around back without ever really showing much attacking intent, at least until the final 15 minutes or so.
In all, it was an absolutely awful performance from England, who still somehow managed to top the group due to Denmark's failure to beat Serbia.
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Roy Keane praises England star after Slovenia draw
England may have been handed a very favourable draw for the Euro 2024 knockout rounds, but they will need to vastly improve their performance levels if they have any chance of reaching the latter stages of the tournament.
They can certainly count themselves fortunate to take five points from their three games so far, a tally that would not be enough to tally any group in Germany.
Despite this, Roy Keane feels there were some positives to take from this game for England. They came in the form of two second half substitutes.
Speaking on ITV after the game, the Irishman explained why England might have something to build on for their last-16 game on Sunday in the form of Cole Palmer.
I think [Kobbie] Mainoo looked very comfortable out there. The one I'm always excited to watch is [Cole] Palmer, he always has that x-factor.
I know we were wondering why he didn't come on in that first or second game, but every time he gets the ball it looks like something is going to happen.
There was certainly a bit more flow to their game the last 15 or 20 minutes. There was still no end product and they didn't really test the keeper, but there were one or two positives with the clean sheet.
They need to show more quality in the attacking areas, but I do love Palmer, I think he's amazing...
Would you want to mark Palmer? You wouldn't want to play against him. He's so unpredictable, he can beat a man, go left or right. A lot of brilliant players affect the game, when he came on, you knew he was going to affect the game.
Every time he got it, we were looking at him. I'm hard to impress and I'm thinking 'something is going to happen'. Every time he gets the ball you think something is going to happen...
He will think he should be in that starting XI. He won't think 'I'm learning and I'm glad to be here'. He will be looking at Gareth, like the big personalities do, thinking 'get me out there'.
Surprisingly positive from Roy Keane.
England's opponent for that last-16 tie remains uncertain, although it is likely to be one of the Netherlands, Slovakia, or Ukraine at this moment in time. The Dutch would certainly be a huge test, even if they have been in questionable at this tournament.
Cole Palmer will certainly feel like he should in the starting XI regardless of who their opponent may be.
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