Gareth Southgate will need his side to use their superior possession and use this advantage to create opportunities and find any gaps in Slovenia’s defence.
England fans were heard booing at halftime as their side struggled to break through against Slovenia’s defense. Despite several promising moments, including Foden’s big chance that was saved by Jan Oblak, the much-anticipated England National Football Team vs Slovenia National Football Team Lineups had fans on edge, hoping for a breakthrough.
Harry Kane
England lack pace and width in midfield, which is cause for serious concern. Southgate has tried Trent Alexander-Arnold on the left wing but that experiment has failed miserably; perhaps Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen or Cole Palmer can be considered options on England’s bench as potential solutions to address their shortage.
Slovenia’s defensive mindset makes them difficult to break down. Goalkeeper Jan Oblak stands tall between the posts while Zan Karnicnik, Vanja Drkusic, Jaka Bijol and Erik Janza provide reliable protection. Matjaz Kek’s side are led by Adam Cerin Timi Max Elsnik Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig who all provide vital midfield coverage while Andraz Sporar and Luca Mlakar lead an attack that cannot be stopped.
England struggled to gain momentum early in the first half and struggled to create clear-cut chances against an organized defence. They eventually made progress at around 30 minutes through an intricate passing move led by Kieran Trippier that resulted in Phil Foden heading over a dangerous cross from Kieran Trippier’s cross, thanks to Kieran Trippier’s anticipation in the penalty area rather than his sudden burst forwards.
Josip Ilicic
The match itself was dull, with England lacking the quality to break down a solid Slovenian defence. Benjamin Sesko’s weak header and Bukayo Saka’s offside tap-in were the only notable chances created in Cologne at RheinEnergieStadion Stadium; at full time one single boo was heard as Gareth Southgate received criticism for their performance from spectators in RheinEnergieStadion Stadium.
The Three Lions had dominated possession, yet were unable to create any real chances in the final third, while their defense came under increasing pressure from Zan Karnicnik, Vanja Drkusic and Andraz Sporar. Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared to have reached his limit as central midfielder; Southgate introduced Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher for the second half in order to add strength in attack.
England are trying to play out from the back, but their attacking midfield trio is struggling to find any space to operate in. Kieran Trippier is being harassed by Marc Guehi and Andraz Sporar while Phil Foden struggles to make an impression in his new left role role. England coach Ange Postecoglou wanted his players to press up the pitch; unfortunately it has not worked against a determined Slovenian side.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
First half play was drawn out as England struggled to break through Slovenia’s tough defense. Harry Kane attempted a few long range shots from distance while Bukayo Saka attempted a tap-in that was ultimately ruled offside, though. Gareth Southgate’s experiment of playing Trent Alexander-Arnold as central midfielder had run its course and Conor Gallagher of Chelsea was substituted at half time as his experiment failed.
England made a lively start in the second half, with Kieran Trippier linking well with Declan Rice and Phil Foden. Foden caused havoc for Slovenia but Jan Oblak managed to save his volley from outside of the area.
England is not creating any clear-cut chances with their excellent possession, which needs to change immediately. Kane sprints to close down goalkeeper Jan Oblak while Foden pushes up against Vanja Drkusic but without much effect from either man. Southgate may consider making changes in attack; perhaps Cole Palmer or Jarrod Bowen could come on to add pace. England’s midfield has been slow-reacting so they could use an injection of energy.
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Declan Rice
Gareth Southgate acknowledged England struggled to create chances during their dour 0-0 draw with Denmark, yet needs to address two key areas: improving out of possession and providing more impact from his left-side. Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer were brought on at half time in an effort to add energy, with Jude Bellingham showing strength under pressure but ultimately they couldn’t prevent Slovenia from restricting them in possession.
Rice impressed at RheinEnergieStadion, but may need to wait for another opportunity. Southgate appears to have reached his limit with Trent Alexander-Arnold in central midfield; so, according to reports, Chelsea player Will be dropping deeper alongside Phil Foden for now, while testing other possibilities in central midfield.
Foden passes a pass to Saka, who runs in unmarked to attempt a goal before having his effort disallowed for offside. Southgate switches Trippier with Jordan Henderson after recovering from his calf injury but Foden must improve his final-third play if he wants to make an impression in this tournament. Manchester City star Foden does not receive enough support from teammates and easily becomes overcrowded out. When trying to find space he loses control but ends up colliding with Bijol.
Conor Gallagher
England midfielders have been widely criticised for lacking urgency without the ball and Gallagher should help address that problem with his arrival from Chelsea as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s replacement. Chelsea man Gallagher should play alongside Phil Foden and Declan Rice in a 3-4-2 formation offering multiple attacking options.
The Three Lions will come up against a determined Slovenian side who are keen to break out from behind their defensive wall. Benjamin Sesko of Slovenia stands out as an outstanding young talent but they shouldn’t pose too many issues at RheinEnergieStadion Cologne.
England were widely criticised for their lack of creativity against Serbia, and were similarly devoid of ideas in the first half. Southgate received jeers when he came out to applaud his players at half time; Kobbie Mainoo’s introduction should add some urgency into their attack while creating width to get past Slovenia’s disciplined defence.
Kobbie Mainoo
Gareth Southgate recognizes England are struggling to create clear-cut chances against Slovenia, so he introduces Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer to provide energy in his side while Jude Bellingham provides strength in midfield.
Mainoo immediately makes an impactful difference to his team as soon as he replaces Conor Gallagher, keeping closer to the ball than Gallagher who often lost it in dangerous areas. Furthermore, Mainoo can link well with Kieran Trippier and Phil Foden to help break up opponent attacks and help break up opposition play.
After an uneven first half, England are much brighter and more dynamic in the second. Foden and Trippier look dangerous while Bukayo Saka comes close for his hosts; yet they cannot penetrate Slovenia’s tight defence.
Slovenia are having difficulty penetrating the England defence; their only real opportunity coming when Benjamin Sesko headed directly at Jordan Pickford. England can pose an attack threat with pace and power on their counterattack though.
Phil Foden
England were much improved after half-time and could have taken the lead late on but for Kane’s poor finish. England kept their shape better, moved the ball quicker, and were much more purposeful in attacking areas – Foden, Rice and Jude Bellingham linked up well, while Chelsea youngster Cole Palmer performed admirably as a right flank substitute to replace Bukayo Saka.
He’s been an exceptional influence for Manchester City but there can be different dynamics at international level – particularly since Gareth Southgate relies heavily on him to inject creative spark. However, wherever he plays he will undoubtedly impact upon a game in one way or another.
Foden, from Manchester City, has been placed into an advanced midfield role, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold who has been dropped. Kalvin Phillips replaced Kieran Trippier at left back due to injury allowing John Stones and Kalvin Phillips to shift positions with each other more freely. Foden remains at the core of this England side by connecting play and creating chances for others while simultaneously managing his defensive duties and attacking duties effectively – something they desperately require of him if they hope for victory! Foden must find an equilibrium between these roles if he hopes for success; otherwise his talent may become lost on them all!
