Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
Euro 2024
Group C
England v Slovenia
RheinEnergieStadion
Cologne, Germany
Tuesday, 25 June 2024
Kick-off is at 21h00
England will look to cement top spot in Group C when they go up against Slovenia at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne on Wednesday, June 25.
The Three Lions were viewed as one of the favourites for the Euro 2024 title after reaching the final of the 2020 edition, but they've failed to set the tournament alight thus far.
Gareth Southgate's side ran out narrow 1-0 victors over Serbia on June 16 before being held to a 1-1 draw by Denmark four days later which sees them lead the group on four points.
England's team press is the second-worst at the European Championship as they've allowed opponents to make 23.1 passes before being closed down, and Southgate acknowledges they need to improve in that department.
Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
It is almost three times as many as Austria, who are ranked as the best pressers with 8.7 opposition passes allowed per defensive action (PPDA).
"We are not pressing well enough, with enough intensity. We have limitations in how we can do that with the physical condition," he told the Daily Telegraph.
"We can't press as high up the pitch as we might have done in the qualifiers, for example. And we are not keeping the ball well enough. We have to keep the ball better and build with more control.
"We are trying to do something that has never been done before (win the Euros). So it is going to be a bit of a rollercoaster."
Slovenia has an outside chance of qualifying for the knockout stages, but they need a result in Cologne to finish as one of the best third-placed teams.
Matjaz Kek's side are also unbeaten after two games, having played out to successive 1-1 draws with Denmark and Serbia to sit on two points in the group.
However, Hungary moved onto three points following a 1-0 win over Scotland on June 23 to go level with Austria and Slovakia, who have only played two games each.
Kek expressed pride in his players after they close to a historic first win at the Euros, having taken the lead through Zan Karnicnik on 69 minutes, only for Luka Jovic to score a dramatic 95th-minute equaliser for Serbia.
"There are not many of you who believe we can play a high-quality game at European Championship level," he said after the game in Munich.
"There are a few things that we can improve ... but this is one match where Slovenia wasn't the underdog for one moment. I think we have played a really high-quality match.
"Football can be cruel but I am sure that this team will get its redemption. We played a brave and honest game against a magnificent backdrop, which will go into the legend of Slovenian sport.
"We managed to hold the pace for 95 minutes. We weren't subdued for a minute ... We knew Serbia were dangerous from set-pieces. We perhaps lapsed in concentration but I am nevertheless proud of the players for their incredible heart."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Meetings)
Matches - 5
England wins - 4
Slovenia wins - 0
Draws - 1
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