England stuttered to a disappointing 0-0 draw with Slovenia in Cologne but it was still enough to win Group C at Euro 2024.
Bukayo Saka had a goal disallowed for an offside against Phil Foden but, in terms of attempts that would count, England did not register a shot until the 30th minute. Harry Kane came closest to scoring but could not connect cleanly with Kieran Trippier’s cross.
Gareth Southgate made only one change to the side that struggled for fluency in the draw against Denmark, introducing Conor Gallagher for Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield as anticipated, but the Chelsea man was unable to make any positive impact.
READ ALSO: EURO 2024: Germany Escape Swiss Defeat As Hungary Send Scotland Home
He was replaced by Kobbie Mainoo for the second half and the youngster sparked an improved performance but England’s pressure could not be converted into chances let alone goals. There was a lack of movement and a lot of loose touches.
Meanwhile , a masked Kylian Mbappe scored his first-ever Euros goal but France were held to a draw by an already-eliminated Poland to finish second in Group D.
France needed all three points in order to seal top spot, but Robert Lewandowski’s 79th-minute penalty cancelled out Mbappe’s spot-kick 11 minutes into the second half.
Ralf Rangnick’s Austria produced a fantastic display to beat the Netherlands 3-2 and top the group, while the Dutch took third place.
The runner-up in Group E awaits Didier Deschamps’ side, who now occupy the same half of the draw as Portugal, Spain and Germany
Austria produced a hugely impressive performance that will make others take notice at Euro 2024 as they beat the Netherlands to progress to the last 16 as Group D winners.
READ ALSO: EURO 2024: Spain Maintain 100% Record Against Albania As Italy, Croatia Settle For Draw
Despite being handed a tough draw with the Dutch and France, Ralf Rangnick’s side won two of their three games to finish top of the standings.
The Netherlands had already guaranteed their progression to the last 16 but they will now go through as one of the best third-placed sides, with France second.
This was a fully deserved win for Austria as they played with spirit and desire throughout, and showed great determination to respond to a fast start to the second-half by the Netherlands as Marcel Sabitzer’s strike secured the victory.
