England drew 0-0 with Slovenia to automatically qualify for the Euro 2024 knockout stages, but the result was not memorable.
Gareth Southgate made one change from the 1-1 draw with Denmark, substituting Conor Gallagher for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
England possessed more than 70% ball possession throughout the game, but clear-cut chances were rare.
How did the players fare at the RheinEnergieStadion in Köln? This is how we ranked them.
Jordan Pickford – 6.
Throughout the 90 minutes, he was hardly tested, but he performed what he was asked to do.
Kyle Walker – 5
Did not make a significant impact on the game. He made one incursion into the penalty area in the second half but miscued his cross. I ended the game at left back.
John Stones – 6
He fulfilled his defensive duties as needed and was solid in possession overall. A potentially goal-bound header was blocked in the second half.
Marc Guehi – 7
Adds composure to England’s play and attempted to force the problem by moving into midfield, but received a yellow card for a pullback in the second half.
Despite receiving a yellow card, Marc Guehi was one of England’s greatest players (Getty).Kieran Trippier – 5
I got caught out a number of times early on while trying to move up the pitch. In the first half, a superb cross at the back post came inches away from Kane. Playing through fitness concerns and leaving with 10 minutes to play.
Declan Rice – 6
His best play of the first half was a defence-splitting pass to Foden, who was just offside. Solid in midfield, but not in the same role that he plays with such ease at Arsenal.
Conor Gallagher – 5.
We gave the ball away cheaply a few times early on. Was Southgate’s sole alteration, although it did not have the desired impact. Hooked at halftime.
Conor Gallagher made his first Euro 2024 start but was replaced at halftime (Getty).Bukayo Saka – 6
He thought he had scored England’s first goal, only to discover that Phil Foden was offside. The first half was quite quiet, while the second was brighter. The introduction of Kobbie Mainoo on the right seemed to benefit him before he was substituted with 20 minutes remaining.
Jude Bellingham – 5
I wasn’t too involved in the first half. A couple of fantastic touches, but we also lost possession on a few occasions. Not quite on the same level as his Serbia effort.
Phil Foden – 7.
Early on, he looked vibrant, running intelligently off the ball. Drove forward with the ball and made effective set-piece deliveries. His greatest performance in the competition.
Harry Kane – 6
In the first half, he attempted two long-range shots and nearly missed converting a Trippier cross. Even though he was more involved, things were just not going his way at the time.
Substitutes
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
Took Gallagher’s place at halftime and brought something to England’s midfield. Based on his performance, you would anticipate him to start in the last 16.
Cole Palmer – 6
Fans cried out for him to take a role. He was bright and had possibly England’s greatest chance when his late shot was saved. More opportunities would be desirable.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: N/A
He finished the game as right-back in place of Trippier, with Walker switching to left-back. There wasn’t enough time to make an impact, but he did offer a long-range shot; some say he should be back in the team for the final 16.
Anthony Gordon: N/A
Another player who made his Euros debut but only played a few minutes.