England continued their rather uninspiring European Championship campaign with a 0-0 draw against Slovenia in their final group game of the tournament.
Gareth Southgate’s side have won the group with the draw but there are certainly more question than answers for the manager.
It was a game of very few chances with the Three Lions being denied a goal through Bukayo Saka in the first half as Phil Foden was offside in the build up.
Here’s five things we learned from the game.
England continue to wilt in the German heat
England knew heading into the game against a defensively astute Slovenia side that they had to come out on the front foot and be positive.
Well, Southgate’s side failed to show any of that attacking football needed as the Three Lions struggled to create key chances rather just bits of individual brilliance.
As the Three Lions prepare for their knockout stage adventure, Southgate will be acutely aware that he has to get a better tune out of his players, otherwise his side will sink.
Gallagher inclusion does little to change England’s midfield struggles
Trent Alexander-Arnold was replaced in the starting eleven by Conor Gallagher, who was brought in for England’s final group stage game.
However, perhaps of little surprise, the Chelsea midfielder struggled to make an impact and was swiftly replaced at half-time by Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo.
Southgate will certainly have a big decision to make before England’s knockout stage game and it has to be the correct one.
England’s left side continues to look imbalanced
The absence of Luke Shaw and indeed the continued insistence of forcing Foden out on the left side is continuing to be an issue.
Whilst Foden finally began to show some life during this tournament at the third time of asking, Kieran Trippier at left-back still looks to be a strange decision.
Shaw was so crucial for the Three Lions but he remains not available for selection, despite being on the bench for Southgate’s team.
It is an issue that needs addressing and fast.
Kobbie Mainoo provides Southgate with midfield blueprint
Gallagher was replaced at half-time by 18-year-old midfielder Mainoo, who netted during United’s 2-1 FA Cup victory over Manchester City.
As soon as the teenager came on in Germany, the Three Lions seemed to go up a level and Mainoo, despite his lack of experience, has to start moving forward.
Alongside Declan Rice, Mainoo looked very comfortable and confident and provided a much-needed link between the midfield and attack.
He has to start in the knockout stages.
England yet to discover opponents for last 16 clash
After Austria’s win over the Netherlands, England were moved into the much more favourable side of the fraw, staying away from the likes of Spain, Germany, France and Portugal.
The Three Lions finished top of the group and will face one of the third placed sides but it is yet unclear who they will face.
One of the teams who England could face, which would be the worst case scenario, is the Netherlands. Southgate will be hoping to avoid that eventuality.
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