England v Slovenia: Three Lions through as group winners despite Euro 2024 stalemate

England laboured to a goalless draw against Slovenia in Cologne on Sunday to go into the last 16 of Euro 2024 as Group C winners.

The 0-0 draw between Denmark and Serbia in the group's other game means the Three Lions finished top on five points, with the Danes in second and Slovenia in third. Both ended on three points.

Finishing top means England – who were already assured of progress after Monday’s results – will now face a third-placed side, either the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Turkey or Georgia, depending on results, in the next round in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.

But it was another unconvincing performance from Gareth Southgate’s side against Slovenia, who reached the knockout phase of a major tournament for the first time ever. Serbia are eliminated after finishing bottom of the group with two points after two draws and a defeat.

Despite calls for a major shake-up to the team that clung on for a fortunate draw with Denmark, Southgate made just one change to his starting line-up as Conor Gallagher came in for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The change didn’t work as Gallagher was hooked at half-time for Manchester United 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo.

The youngster injected more impetus into the Three Lions midfield, which looked better balanced, but they were still unable to unpick a well-organised Slovenia defence.

The Slovenians, who have never won a European Championship game, are certainly a tough nut to crack – they were unbeaten in eight matches going into the game.

It took 20 minutes for England to pose a serious threat, only for the offside flag to deny them a goal.

Declan Rice picked out Phil Foden's run but the Manchester City midfielder had strayed beyond the Slovenian defence before squaring for Bukayo Saka,