William Saliba prоduced an impressive display fоr France while Bukayо Saka had a gоal ruled оut fоr Phil Fоden being оffside befоre making the decisive pass in England’s disastrоus draw with SlоveniaIn the last Eurо 2024 grоup match, France and Pоland drew 1-1, pitting Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Jakub Kiwiоr against оne anоther.
The outcome meant that the French team placed second in their group. Nevertheless, Poland is out after winning just one of their three games.
To his credit, Saliba gave France again another outstanding performance. Compared to other players on the pitch, he made the most long balls (3) and clearances (6).
The Frenchman finished 48 out of 54 passes as well. In open play, he also forced five possession recoveries out of Robert Lewandowski.
Saliba’s rating: 8/10
But Kiwior was unable to equal his Arsenal colleague’s valour. Ousmane Dembele caused him concern with his unsteady performance at the back.
In the second half, the Polish defender brought down Dembele inside the area with a sloppy foul, giving away a penalty.
Despite making four appearances and winning four duels, Kiwior was frequently outwitted and unable to silence Dembele.
In the last game of Group C at EURO 2024, England’s coach Gareth Southgate made just one change to the starting eleven before facing Slovenia. The “Three Lions” skipper set up Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher to partner with Declan Rice in lieu of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Both teams were cautious during the first half, which was a close match. Phil Foden’s runs down the left flank and crosses, or crosses inside, were the main source of England’s opportunities.
In the 20th minute, Bukayo Saka made one of those plays, tapping the ball in the Slovenian net from close range. Sadly, Foden’s offside position when he received Jude Bellingham’s assist earlier resulted in the score being disallowed.
Kieran Trippier attempted a daring cross that went just wide of the post at the conclusion of the first half, but neither Gallagher nor Kane were able to finish. There was no goal after 45 minutes. Shortly after the half, Southgate substituted Gallagher, allowing Kobbie Mainoo to come off the bench.
Following a left-wing corner, Bellingham headed dangerously into the 58th minute, but Benjamin Sesko blocked it directly on the goal line. Saka’s effort at a bicycle kιck was inadvertently flagged as a foul by his opponent as the ball bounced back.
Even when Southgate added Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon, England’s оffensive stagnated. Slovenia put up a strong defensive effort, eventually keeping the score at zero until the very end.
Both clubs advanced to the round of 16 thanks to the goalless draw. Group C champions England went on, and Slovenia finished among the top four teams in third place.