England finished as Group D winners following their goalless draw against Slovenia to secure their passage to the Euro 2024 last 16.

Although Gareth Southgate’s team performed marginally better than in the appalling display against Denmark, it was still unable to support England’s pre-tournament favourites reputation.

They were laborious and only sometimes displayed flair, as seen in the first half when Bukayo Saka’s goal was disallowed for offside following a deft passing sequence.

For the second time in a row, England encountered genuine animosity from fans who brilliantly supported them during the match but expressed their disapproval when the final whistle blew.

Following jeers during the half, fans gave Southgate a hard time when he went to thank them at the end, throwing a few empty drink cups in his direction from the stands.

Conor Gallagher was substituted at halftime after failing to live up to his inclusion; Kobbie Mainoo, a teenage player for Manchester United, came on to add more urgency.

In a group where, for the first time in the competition’s history, no team scored more than one goal in a match, England lacked inventiveness as well.

After a scoreless tie with Serbia, Slovenia advances as one of the top three teams, and Denmark finishes in second place.

previous than that, England had a nice night. The deadly quartet of France, Spain, Germany, and Portugal dropped to the opposite side of the draw as a result of previous results.

The Netherlands are now England’s opponents in the round of sixteen, although things could change after the penultimate round of games.

Photo by EPA/YOAN VALAT