England fans turn on Gareth Southgate as Euro 2024 dream threatened with early end

Somehow England finished top of their Group but this was another night of frustration and despair.

It ended with England fans booing loudly at the final whistle and turning their anger on Gareth Southgate as they chucked beer cups at him. How sad that it has turned to recrimination and bitterness and the eight-year love affair the supporters had with Southgate has gone horribly sour.

This was a performance that just underlined England’s problems: no spark, they look tired and are lacking inspiration. There were jeers at half time, it was even louder at full time and the fans have had enough. Whatever happens next, Southgate’s time appears to be coming to an end.

Even winning Group C and qualifying for the knock-out stages has not been enough because this was a performance that will convince no-one they will go very far in the knock-out stages. The England fans have had enough.

Ultimately, England were saved by Denmark failing to beat Serbia in the other match in Group C so goes to Gelsenkirchen on Sunday to face one of the third best placed teams. They are still waiting to discover their opponent but it could well be Holland and you would not bet on Gareth Southgate’s men getting through.

England created so few chances and if you cannot see off Slovenia then whoever they get in the last 16 will probably fancy their chances of knocking out one of the pre tournament favourites. They are just not living up to that tag. For whatever reason, England have just not clicked in this tournament. No spark, two goals in three games and all of their big names struggling to deliver.

Their one consolation is finishing top of Group C means they are on the opposite side of the draw to France, Spain, Portugal and Germany. But can England really be thinking about winning the Euros when they are playing like this? The England fans were so loud and supportive in the second half, but not even they could inspire the players.

There were flashes and moments. Phil Foden played well, Declan Rice fired a late shot just wide and there were nice substitute performances from Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer.

England

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When Palmer finally got on for the last 20 minutes, the England fans produced their loudest cheer of the night. That is how desperate they are for any hope and inspiration.

Once again, Harry Kane did not look sharp and there must be worries about his fitness. England’s record goalscorer never looked like getting on the score sheet.

Jude Bellingham almost tried to do too much and there was not enough movement or threat in the final third. It was all too pedestrian and predictable. Slovenia, with their rigid 4-4-2, just sat back and soaked it all up.

You could not offer any excuses. Southgate did change it up by starting with Conor Gallagher in place of Trent Alexander-Arnold - but that did not work either and Mainoo came at half time.

Phil Foden

There were half chances in the first half. Kane could not get on the end of Kieran Trippier’s cross. Kane almost epitomised England’s frustrations: they’re trying hard, but it’s just not happening. He just did not look right.

No wonder the 18,000 England fans in the 42,000 capacity stadium booed their team off at half time. Mainoo came on for the second half, England took control and got better but they still could not find a way through.

Palmer was denied by Slovenia keeper Jan Oblak and Rice fizzed one just wide. At the final whistle, Slovenia celebrated wildly as they will go through but the England players went over to apologise to their fans. But it was still not enough.

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