Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand deliver surprising England verdicts after Slovenia draw

Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand were optimistic after England’s draw (Picture: Getty)

Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand have delivered two surprising verdicts in the wake of England’s desperate 0-0 draw against Slovenia on Tuesday.

England finished top of Group C with five points but delivered another uninspiring performance in the goalless draw with Slovenia in Cologne.

The result means Southgate’s side will now play one of the best third-placed teams in the last 16 this Sunday at 5pm, which could be any one of the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine or Belgium.

Optimism was in short supply from many after England’s second successive draw, but former Manchester United midfielder Scholes was one of few encouraged by Tuesday’s display.

‘Might surprise a few… very encouraged by that performance,’ he posted after the game on Instagram.

‘At some point during that game the right players were on the pitch at the same time… think this team is ready to click. Night.’

And Scholes’s former teammate, Ferdinand, was equally positive, suggesting that they could go all the way if they start three of their second-half substitutes from Tuesday evening.

England toiled to their second successive draw of the tournament (Picture: Getty)

‘If Kobbie / Palmer [and] Gordon start our next games…. We will go on & win this tournament!’ he said on X. ‘Trust The Fearless Youngsters Gareth.’

Not everyone saw the light at the end of the tunnel after the game, however, with fans inside the stadium jeering and throwing empty beer cups at Southgate.

But the Three Lions manager sent a strong robust to fans, suggesting they were not fostering a healthy environment for the players to thrive.

‘The most important thing is the supporters stay with the team. I understand the narrative towards me,’ he said.

‘That’s better for the team than it being towards them but it is creating an unusual ­environment to operate in. I’ve not seen any other team qualify and receive similar.

‘So, I understand it. I’m not going to back away from it. But I’m very, very proud of the players for how they’re operating within it.’

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