England vs Slovenia - LIVE!

England booked their place in the last-16 at Euro 2024 as winners of Group C, despite a hugely uninspiring 0-0 draw with Slovenia. The Three Lions’ opponents on Sunday in Gelsenkirchen will be confirmed following the conclusion of the group-stage, with it likely to be the Netherlands. The nature of the draw means they cannot face any of Spain, France, Germany or Portugal until the final, though that feels incredibly premature on recent showings.

After two uninspiring performances to start the tournament, the pre-match talk from the England camp had been of a more front-footed approach, a performance to finally kick the campaign into gear. That was not forthcoming in Cologne, as Gareth Southgate’s side once again toiled and failed to excite in attack. Bukayo Saka had a first-half effort ruled out for offside, finishing at the back post after arguably England’s best move of the the tournament, but there was very little beyond that.

Kobbie Mainoo was introduced at half-time to replace Conor Gallagher and Cole Palmer came on for his first appearance of the summer, but the Slovenian defence held firm in fairly comfortable fashion.

England vs Slovenia latest news

• FT: England top group despite frustrating draw

• NO GOAL! Saka denied by offside flag

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00:03 , Matt Verri

When some future AI overlord grants its minion-bots the 30 seconds it will take to write the comprehensive history of the current era, it will go down among the great injustices of our time.

That this England, this blunt, unsure, ill-fitting England, go into the knockout stage of this European Championship not only as group winners, but with the road to Berlin cleared of its heftiest blocks.

It should not really be enough to excite anyone. Right now, Gareth Southgate’s stumbling, heel-dragging muddle look to have it well within their grasp to suffer a fatal trip while trying to hurdle a deck of cards.

But once again, at a major tournament, they have fallen kindly. With a goalless draw against Slovenia here in Cologne, and another between Denmark and Serbia to round off Group C (‘C’ for, well, you know what), England ensured they cannot meet any of Portugal, Spain, France or hosts Germany until the capital showpiece next month.

On the day that that kindest of runs opened up, though, conviction in England’s prospects of staying the course plunged new depths.

Read our full analysis here!

Youngsters insist they are ready!

23:26 , Matt Verri

Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer both impressed off the bench this evening.

Have to think Mainoo will start on Sunday in the last-16, with Palmer pushing for greater involvement too.

Gareth Southgate has been speaking...

22:33 , Matt Verri

“I thought we were much improved with the ball. We created some good openings,” the England boss tells ITV.

“At the moment it’s hard work for us – we’re not quite getting that break in front of goal. The boys who came on had a really good impact on the game, and we had the discipline to keep a clean sheet, which meant we won the group.

“I understand some of the reactions, but it’s a strange environment we’re play in.”

Post-match thoughts from John Stones

22:09 , Matt Verri

The England centre-back is, as you’d expect, putting a positive spin on things.

Job done in terms of finishing top, but not sure you can get too excited about that attacking display.

England player ratings

22:03 , Matt Verri

Conor Gallagher 4

Did not solve England’s problems. There was still too little control and too few progressive passes. He was hooked for Kobbie Mainoo after just 45 minutes. Assuming he’s fit, this was a nightmare.

Jude Bellingham 5

A few lively moments but again failed to hit the heights of his first-half display against Serbia. Looks a little leggy, worryingly, and too casual.

Click here for our full ratings!

How it finishes in Group C

22:01 , Matt Verri

So, England through as group winners.

They will face one of the best third-placed teams on Sunday - it’s likely to be the Netherlands.

Denmark and Slovenia are also through to the last-16.

Dan Kilpatrick at Cologne Stadium

21:57 , Matt Verri

Loud boos from the England fans after their side spectacularly failed to deliver a much-needed performance.

Palmer a positive & midfield spot probably Mainoo's to lose now. But that was deeply uninspiring. England somehow still going through as group winners.

FT: England 0-0 Slovenia

21:53 , Matt Verri

And that’s the full-time whistle.

That was fairly miserable, as the boos ring out around the Cologne Stadium.

Still playing in Denmark - we’ll have confirmation of that result in a few seconds.

England 0-0 Slovenia

21:52 , Matt Verri

90+4 mins: England suddenly playing the match like they want to win. Alexander-Arnold down on the edge of the box, linesman waves for a foul but referee not interested.

The Liverpool man then blasts over from 25 yards.

England 0-0 Slovenia

21:50 , Matt Verri

90+2 mins: That’s more like it.

Kane with a nice flick, Palmer running onto the ball and in space. First-time effort, comfortable for Oblak.

England 0-0 Slovenia

21:49 , Matt Verri

90+1 mins: Four minutes added on.

England don’t look like scoring, so they are really just banking on Denmark also failing to do so against Serbia.

England 0-0 Slovenia

21:47 , Matt Verri

89 mins: Palmer wins a free-kick in a really promising position out wide. Foden whips it in, Slovenia deal with it comfortably.

They try and break, Stojanovic goes down and the referee waves away the appeals. He then looks at the Slovenia man on the floor for a few seconds and gives the foul.

Here is Gordon, replacing Foden. He’s been given 60 seconds plus stoppage-time.

England 0-0 Slovenia

21:45 , Matt Verri

87 mins: There’s... not much happening. Sure that surprises you.

Alexander-Arnold is on for England, replacing Trippier. Walker now at left-back.

Not sure why we haven’t seen the likes of Gordon and Watkins. Anything for some pace.

England 0-0 Slovenia

21:41 , Matt Verri

83 mins: Long ball forward, Kane holds it up in the box. Lays the ball off for Foden, his shot is charged down.

Palmer then has a run on the right, poor ball in though and it’s smashed clear.

England 0-0 Slovenia

21:38 , Matt Verri

80 mins: Ten minutes to go. It’s also goalless in the other match in Group C - not exactly been thrill a minute from these four sides.

Mainoo tries to combine with Palmer on the right, no space again. And the whistle goes with Janza down off the ball. I dare say he’s going to be fine.

England 0-0 Slovenia

21:35 , Matt Verri

77 mins: Foden the latest player into the referee’s book.

It was Rice with the foul, a bit too keen closing down, so we’ll have to assume Foden said something to the official.

England 0-0 Slovenia

21:33 , Matt Verri

75 mins: A SHOT!

It’s about three yards wide, but it’s something. Rice made the run into the box, ball fell for it and he lashes the effort beyond the far post.

England 0-0 Slovenia

21:31 , Matt Verri

73 mins: Bijol gets himself into a real mess as Kane spins him. Takes one for the team and makes the foul, earning himself a yellow card.

Foden and Trippier standing over it. Trippier deep, too deep. Painful.

Dan Kilpatrick at Cologne Stadium

21:30 , Matt Verri

Cole Palmer is on, which earned a huge roar from the England fans.

It's a popular call but does hint at more muddled thinking from Southgate, who replaced Saka with Bowen in the first two games and introduced Eze and Watkins against Denmark.

Now it's Palmer's turn to have a crack

England 0-0 Slovenia

21:28 , Matt Verri

70 mins: Bellingham down in his own box from the free-kick, got a shove in the back and that’s a free-kick.

England have 20 minutes to find a winner, and here is the second chance.

Palmer is on for his first appearance of the tournament. Saka off.

England 0-0 Slovenia

21:26 , Matt Verri

68 mins: Remarkable noise in the stands and remarkable how slow things still are on the pitch.

Slovenia have come through that slightly nervy period, they’re looking comfortable in defence again.

And now Guehi makes a mistake, Sporar is about to run through on goal and the England defender drags him to the ground. Yellow card.

Malik Ouzia at Cologne Stadium

21:24 , Matt Verri

The noise in the stadium is remarkable.

England fans have been roaring their support to the tune of The Great Escape non-stop for about five minutes now.

England 0-0 Slovenia

21:23 , Matt Verri

65 mins: Bellingham cutting a very frustrated figure.

Janza shielding the ball out for a goal-kick, Bellingham charges straight into him and follows it with a glare.

England 0-0 Slovenia

21:22 , Matt Verri

63 mins: Can’t be long until Southgate turns to his bench again.

Palmer, Gordon, Watkins, Bowen, Eze, Toney... plenty of options.

Gnezda Cerin, meanwhile, tries his luck from miles out and fittingly it’s miles wide.

Malik Ouzia at Cologne Stadium

21:19 , Matt Verri

For the first time since the opening 30 minutes of that Serbia game, it feels like England have got their opposition genuinely under the pump.

Can they capitalise on this period? The longer it stays 0-0...

England 0-0 Slovenia

21:19 , Matt Verri

60 mins: Rice and Foden try and combine on the edge of the area, just no space.

England are at last starting to pin Slovenia back, it’s one-way traffic.

Now just for the small matter of creating chances.

England 0-0 Slovenia

21:15 , Matt Verri

57 mins: Brilliant ball in from Foden, Kane is about to head home but it’s flicked away. England corner - there is a bit of pressure building. A bit.

Foden with the out-swinger, Stones’ header is cleared off the line, scramble in the box and Saka is then penalised for a high foot as he goes for overhead kick.

England 0-0 Slovenia

21:14 , Matt Verri

56 mins: Saka and Foden the only ones who have tried to run at Slovenia defenders, everything else is so safe.

Mainoo is absolutely clattered by Drkusic, late and decides to throw in an elbow at the same time.

Miraculous that it isn’t a yellow card.

England 0-0 Slovenia

21:11 , Matt Verri

53 mins: Kane whips a nice ball to the back post, Walker completely free.

Volleys it into the middle, but he slices it badly and the ball loops straight out of play.

England 0-0 Slovenia

21:09 , Matt Verri

51 mins: Here we go, England playing with some pace. Saka slides in Kane, tries to smash the ball low into the six-yard box but has to settle for a corner.

Trippier puts this one straight in, Kane again wins the header but again nobody there in white for the second ball.

Foden then tries a volley from about 35 yards out. Nothing else to add.

England 0-0 Slovenia

21:07 , Matt Verri

49 mins: Bellingham darts in behind, lets the ball run out for an England corner.

Trippier takes it short, ends up on the opposite flank with Rice. Clipped in, Kane nods it back across goal but nobody there.

England 0-0 Slovenia

21:06 , Matt Verri

48 mins: All happening down England’s left, with Foden and Bellingham out there, and Mainoo making runs in behind.

When I say ‘all happening’, I do still mean some passing at walking pace.

Dan Kilpatrick at Cologne Stadium

21:04 , Matt Verri

The experiment with Alexander-Arnold in midfield last two games but Gallagher has only been given 45 minutes here (assuming he's fit).

Mainoo's introduction suggests Southgate still does not know his best midfield, which is concerning so deep into a tournament.

Back underway!

21:02 , Matt Verri

Up and running again in Cologne.

There has been a change from Southgate on. Mainoo on in midfield, replacing Gallagher. That was needed.

Dan Kilpatrick at Cologne Stadium

20:57 , Matt Verri

Foden bright but England disjointed and it's been a bit of a slog against an impressive Slovenia side.

Saka disallowed goal comfortably their best move of the Euros.

When Rice gets forward, England have looked most threatening but also most open, illustrating the problem.

First-half stats

20:54 , Matt Verri

England have had near enough 70% of possession, but so much of it was at walking pace.

Not moved quickly enough, not enough movement in attack. Kane has been keen to drop deep, he continues to look fairly sluggish though.

Six shots for England, two on target. Nothing to really trouble Oblak.

Saka denied opening goal...

20:51 , Matt Verri

As good as it got for England.

Really nice move, as free-flowing as anything they have produced over the last ten days or so, but the offside flag was up.

They are capable of it...

Malik Ouzia at Cologne Stadium

20:48 , Matt Verri

To give England a bit of credit, they've been better than against Denmark, played higher up the pitch, tried a little harder to impose themselves.

But that's not really the point.

Their performances and the narrative dictated that this needed to be a statement show and so far, it hasn't been.

HT: England 0-0 Slovenia

20:47 , Matt Verri

The referee takes mercy on us all. Not a second of stoppage-time.

England have had a couple of decent moments, but it’s been pretty underwhelming. Again.

England 0-0 Slovenia

20:44 , Matt Verri

43 mins: Kane is getting bored of all this... nothingness.

Drops deep again, lets fly from 25 yards out. Takes a big deflection and behind for a corner. Trippier to take.

Pinged to the back post, Rice shoves Gnezda Cerin over and doesn’t get to the ball anyway. Apart from that, it was great.

England 0-0 Slovenia

20:42 , Matt Verri

40 mins: Five minutes to go until the break. It would be a lie to say this half has flown by.

Trippier with a real bit of quality, though, firing a cross to the back post. Kane throws himself at it at the back post... no contact. Any touch and it was 1-0.

Dan Kilpatrick at Cologne Stadium

20:40 , Matt Verri

 A flicker of frustration from Bellingham who was briefly pressing three defenders alone.

Kane has looked a little leggy so far. Nothing's really come off for the captain.

England 0-0 Slovenia

20:40 , Matt Verri

38 mins: England can’t get out... step forward Harry Kane.

The classic ball into his feet, topple to the ground as the challenge comes in from behind. Textbook, free-kick won.

England 0-0 Slovenia

20:38 , Matt Verri

36 mins: Gallagher keeps losing the ball in midfield. The Alexander-Arnold bandwagon will be back again, at this rate.

Trippier now with a loose ball, England ragged all of a sudden. Everyone back near enough on the edge of their own box.

England 0-0 Slovenia

20:36 , Matt Verri

35 mins: On second look it seems to far out for a shot, but Foden has other ideas.

Decent strike, arrowing towards the top corner but Oblak has plenty of time to get across and claim that.

Dan Kilpatrick at Cologne Stadium

20:36 , Matt Verri

Declan Rice is getting higher up the pitch and England's best moves have come when the Arsenal man has pushed to the edge of the box.

Slovenia, though, have found space through the middle of the pitch in transition, demonstrating the pay-off.

England 0-0 Slovenia

20:35 , Matt Verri

33 mins: Trippier slides the pass down the side to Foden, who has stayed onside.

Cut back isn’t great, but England recycle it and Saka wins a free-kick in a great position. Probably just under 30 yards out - shooting range potentially.

England 0-0 Slovenia

20:32 , Matt Verri

30 mins: Space opens up for Rice, he can bring it forward. Ball fired into Kane, shot on the swivel is blocked.

England stay on the attack, great cross in from Foden and it’s turned behind for a corner. Will a set-piece be England’s best bet of taking the lead?

Kane briefly looks free at the back post, but header loops straight up. Comes back to him, shot straight at Oblak.

England 0-0 Slovenia

20:30 , Matt Verri

29 mins: Burst of energy in the match, a couple of 50-50 challenges in midfield gets things going. More of that needed.

Slovenia have the chance to break, ball slid through to Sesko but it’s too heavy. Pickford charges off his line to claim.

England 0-0 Slovenia

20:28 , Matt Verri

27 mins: Kane moving back alongside Guehi to pick the ball up. Foden and Bellingham not making those runs in behind this time, so it’s pretty pointless.

Mlakar then dives in on Gallagher, catches him high and that will be a free-kick.

England work it to the other wing, Foden drives inside and into space. Flicks it to Kane... that was the plan, anyway. Flicked out of play.

Malik Ouzia at Cologne Stadium

20:24 , Matt Verri

Erik Janza in the book with three-quarters of the game to go up against Bukayo Saka.

I smell trouble.

England 0-0 Slovenia

20:24 , Matt Verri

22 mins: Janza very, very tight to Saka. Too tight.

Winger turned the full-back, he was away but Janza didn’t let go of him.

Yellow card and now a long 70 minutes ahead.

Malik Ouzia at Cologne Stadium

20:23 , Matt Verri

Aaron Ramsdale was up off the bench applauding the move that led to that disallowed goal.

England's best of the tournament by a country mile, albeit with a man a good yard or two offside.

GOOOO.... OFFSIDE!

20:22 , Matt Verri

Saka turns the ball into an empty net, but the flag is up.

Lovely move. Rice plays in Foden, he squares it and Saka can’t miss at the back post.

Foden was offside though. Much more like it.

England 0-0 Slovenia

20:20 , Matt Verri

19 mins: Slovenia are growing into this match, seeing more of the ball.

Sporar tries his luck from distance, takes a big deflection and Pickford scrambles across to stop it spinning out for a corner.

England 0-0 Slovenia

20:18 , Matt Verri

17 mins: Trippier dives in late on the left, advantage played as Sporar breaks away into space.

Referee isn’t going to forget though - comes back to book Trippier as the ball goes out of play.

Dan Kilpatrick at Cologne Stadium

20:16 , Matt Verri

England are trying to feel their way into the game by knocking the ball about at the back but Slovenia are set up in a disciplined defensive structure, and there's been little in the way of cut through.

England are going to have to be patient but a little more dynamism would go a long way.

England 0-0 Slovenia

20:15 , Matt Verri

13 mins: England continue to dominate possession without threatening.

Foden drifting all the way out to the right, joining Saka on that flank. He does have the freedom to move around, needs to get on the ball though.

England 0-0 Slovenia

20:11 , Matt Verri

10 mins: Kane is dropping deep to try and get involved, and it’s a brilliant ball through to Foden.

He dinks it to the back post, Saka slips and the chance goes.

Wouldn’t have counted anyway, Foden was just offside.

England 0-0 Slovenia

20:08 , Matt Verri

7 mins: Stones and Guehi seeing plenty of the ball, but England are not finding a way to get it through to the front three.

Slovenia very solid in their shape off the ball, needs a bit of creativity from England. No sign yet.

Dan Kilpatrick at Cologne Stadium

20:07 , Matt Verri

Not the start Southgate (or the country) wanted. England so sloppy, with Bellingham and Guehi both giving the ball away cheapy, and Sesko with a free header in the box.

Need to sharpen up.

England 0-0 Slovenia

20:06 , Matt Verri

5 mins: First chance of the match... and it’s for Slovenia.

Ball nodded back into the middle, Sesko free but there’s not much pace on it and his header is straight at Pickford.

England are trying to press, but Slovenia are playing through it fairly comfortably.

England 0-0 Slovenia

20:05 , Matt Verri

4 mins: Bellingham with a terrible pass, clips it straight to Sesko and Slovenia can break.

That is until Gallagher arrives on the scene to make the foul. He’s going to make himself seen in that midfield, one way or another.

England 0-0 Slovenia

20:04 , Matt Verri

2 mins: Watch out... Foden and Kane both charge forward to press. Met with a roar from the stands.

Drkusic then goes flying in Foden, ball bounces off the Man City man and behind for a goal-kick. Foden takes a bit of time to get back up after that.

Malik Ouzia at Cologne Stadium

20:03 , Matt Verri

Very early stages but looks like England have gone back to more of a 4-3-3. Declan Rice is alone in the centre and Conor Gallagher much higher up the pitch to his right.

It's a shape that I think suits them much better.

KICK-OFF!

20:01 , Matt Verri

Underway in Cologne!

19:59 , Matt Verri

England were booed off last time out, but there are Three Lions fans everywhere you look inside the stadium as the anthem is belted out.

Handshakes done... we’re ready to get up and running.

Here we go!

19:56 , Matt Verri

Teams are out onto the pitch in Cologne.

Crisis feel to the talk about England in recent days. Well, a good win here and they will be into the last-16 as group winners and with a favourable draw on paper.

Could all change very quickly.

Malik Ouzia at Cologne Stadium

19:53 , Matt Verri

A big chorus of 'England 'till I die', followed by applause as Gareth Southgate emerges to salute the England fans.

Can they deliver the fast start that'll keep that atmosphere going and silence some of the grumblings of the last few days?

Dan Kilpatrick at Cologne Stadium

19:51 , Matt Verri

There's an incredible number of England fans in the stadium tonight, covering almost every inch of boarding at one end.

Despite the heat, the Slovenian fans are already leaping up and down in unison as the atmosphere begins to build.

Kane insists no need for England panic

19:44 , Matt Verri

Harry Kane has offered a typically measured response to criticism of England's performances and his own form at Euro 2024 in a textbook piece of firefighting.

In the wake of the dismal 1-1 draw with Denmark, the national discourse has rarely felt more hysterical in the Gareth Southgate era, and there is pressure on England to not just beat Slovenia but go into the knockouts on the back of a statement result.

Kane, though, is nothing if not level-headed and rarely one to dwell on disappointments, always looking ahead to the next challenge with a steely optimism.

In a media briefing lasting nearly 45 minutes at the squad's Blankenheim base, the captain drew on his experience of three previous tournaments to offer context to England's unconvincing start and call for calm.

"We have been here before, we have a lot of experience, it is not a time to panic but a time to improve," Kane said.

"Be calm, we know we are in a good place even if we haven't quite reached the levels that we can. But it has been pretty much how it always is."

Concern in the warm-up...

19:39 , Matt Verri

Jordan Pickford is stretching out his hand during the warm-up, seems to have hurt himself a bit.

Carrying on for now, doesn’t look too serious.

Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson might want to step up their warm-ups, though...

Malik Ouzia at Cologne Stadium

19:35 , Matt Verri

A bit of Vindaloo over the PA and the England fans are doing their best to find a second wind after what I can only imagine has already been a marathon day on the beers in testing conditions for even the most seasoned pint-guzzler.

Permutations update

19:29 , Matt Verri

If England win Group C, they will play one of the best third-placed teams from Group D, Group E, or Group F.

As things stand, England would likely play the Netherlands in the last 16 in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday, June 30 at 5pm, with Ronald Koeman’s side having lost to Austria - who finished top ahead of France - in their Group D finale on Tuesday. Turkey

If England finish second in Group C, they will face Germany in Dortmund at 8pm on Saturday, June 29.

If they finish third, they’d play either the winner of Group F, Portugal, in Frankfurt at 8pm on Monday, July 1 or the Group E winners — which Romania are currently top, but Belgium are favourites to top — at 5pm in Munich on Tuesday, July 2.

As it stands...

19:25 , Matt Verri

England very much in control of their own fate.

Victory will send them through as group winners, seven points from their three games. Not too shabby.

Slovenia will go through themselves if they can pull off a shock win, while Denmark and Serbia both have it all to play for too.

Could be a dramatic night...

Rice: We will be on the front foot

19:19 , Matt Verri

A defiant Declan Rice has told fans to expect a different, front-footed England against Slovenia.

The Three Lions are already assured of a place in the last-16 having taken four points from their opening two matches, but are yet to convince in two tepid displays.

England’s passive approach both with and without the ball has drawn major criticism, with Southgate’s men guilty of sitting off their opposition after taking early leads in both the 1-0 win over Serbia and 1-1 draw with Denmark.

“I can tell you now it’s not one of our game plans to want to sit in a low block,” the Arsenal midfielder said. “Sometimes you are coming up against top players who do pass the ball well and do eventually make you sit deep.

“It’s about getting that balance right, choosing when to go and picking your moments. You’ll see an England team that will have a different pressing style that we’ve been working on.

“I think you’ll see a team that wants to be on the front foot and wants to press Slovenia high up the pitch.”

Malik Ouzia at Cologne Stadium

19:14 , Matt Verri

Worth noting that Conor Gallagher is a yellow card away from missing the last-16 game.

It would be rather typical if he has a blinder tonight, gets booked and leaves Gareth Southgate searching for another midfield solution anyway. Adam

Wharton's rather elongated route into the tournament?

Should Southgate have tinkered more?

19:10 , Matt Verri

Gareth Southgate not one to make changes for the sake of it.

Anthony Gordon was among those who could have been brought into the front three, adding some pace and width on the left, but not to be.

We’ll find out whether that proves to be a mistake...

Malik Ouzia at Cologne Stadium

19:04 , Matt Verri

I said in one of our videos earlier on today that it'd probably have cooled down here by 9pm local time but now I'm not so sure.

The roof of the stadium here in Cologne is part corrugated metal and part some sort of plasticy-fibreglass which has essentially turned the stands below it into a bit of a greenhouse.

Not sure what it's like pitchside but up here, it's hot and stuffy.

Gallagher comes in for first start at Euro 2024

19:01 , Matt Verri

As expected, Conor Gallagher starts in midfield, as Trent Alexander-Arnold drops to the bench.

It means Jude Bellingham continues at No10, with Phil Foden still on the left wing. Will see how that works this time.

Luke Shaw is fit enough to make the bench, but Kieran Trippier continues at left-back.

As for Slovenia, big news is that Benjamin Sesko is indeed fit enough to start and lead the line for his country.

Slovenia team news

18:56 , Matt Verri

Starting XI: Oblak, Karnicnik, Drkusic, Bijol, Janza, Stojanovic, Cerin, Elsnik, Mlakar, Sporar, Sesko

Subs: Balkovec, Blazic, Stankovic, Verbic, Lovric, Belec, Kurtic, Horvat, Vekic,Vipotnik, Celar, Brekalo, Zugelj, Zeljkovic, Ilicic

England team news

18:51 , Matt Verri

Starting XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Gallagher, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Foden, Kane

Subs: Ramsdale, Henderson, Shaw, Alexander-Arnold, Konsa, Dunk, Toney, Gordon, Watkins, Bowen, Eze, Gomez, Palmer, Wharton, Mainoo

As it stands...

18:47 , Matt Verri

France are currently being held by Poland, with just a few minutes remaining. They are set to finish second in Group D.

That would mean France, Spain, Germany and Portugal are all on the same side of the draw... and the opposite side to England, if they win their group.

Victory tonight is HUGE for the Three Lions.

Kane insists England attack will come good

18:40 , Matt Verri

Harry Kane insists he can thrive in the same England team as Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham — and believes the all-star attacking trio still have time to prove it at this summer’s Euros.

One of Gareth Southgate’s biggest dilemmas is what to do with his forward line, having seen three standout performers so far fail to click.

Last season, Foden and Bellingham won the Footballer of the Year awards in England and Spain, respectively, but did so while playing primarily in the same No10 role, while Kane’s ability to drop into a similar position from centre-forward has long been one of his most unique qualities.

As a result, what ought to be a luxury for Southgate is turning into a major headache as he considers the possibility of having to drop one of his most high-profile players to bring balance to England’s attack. Kane, however, says it need not come to that yet.

“It’s something we will work on and see if we can improve, but I don’t think there’s an issue with us three playing with each other,” said Kane, who scored 44 times in 45 matches for Bayern Munich last term.

“The seasons we all had speak for themselves and there’s no reason why we can’t start ramping it up on the pitch and getting to a level we know we can.”

Rice hits back at 'bitterness' from McLean

18:32 , Matt Verri

Declan Rice believes James McClean is still “bitter” over his decision to swap the Republic of Ireland for England, after the Wrexham winger labelled his former team-mate “overrated”.

Rice, who was born in London but whose grandparents are from Cork, played for Ireland at age-group level and won three caps for the senior side in friendlies in 2018 before switching his international allegiance to England the following year.

The Arsenal star has since made 53 appearances for the Three Lions and become established as the centre-piece of Gareth Southgate’s midfield, but was blasted by McClean during Irish broadcaster RTE’s Euro 2024 coverage last week.

"I think Declan Rice is overrated,” the former West Brom and Sunderland forward said. “Don’t get me wrong, I think he’s a very good footballer, but the way the English media wax lyrical about him is completely over the top. For me, he’s not world-class.”

Asked about McClean’s comments, Rice insisted he did not want to “sit here and slag him off”.

“I’ve known him, I’ve played with him,” he explained. “He’s entitled to his opinion and I’ve had to fight a load of those opinions from other people before.

“It might be a bit of bitterness towards me not playing for Ireland but I’ve not got a bad word to say about him, to be honest. I see the comments but I don’t try to put too much energy into it.”

"Bellingham... he is the best"

18:21 , Matt Verri

We spoke to Klemen, a Slovenian fan, earlier this afternoon and he was feeling very positive!

Confidence that the underdogs can pull off a shock win, even if there is a bit of fear when it comes to keeping Jude Bellingham quiet...

Stones: We can make big statement

18:11 , Matt Verri

John Stones has challenged England to deliver a “huge” performance against Slovenia tonight, insisting one big win will see the negativity around their Euro 2024 campaign blown away.

The Three Lions are looking for the victory that would see them clinch top spot in Group C and set up a last-16 meeting with one of the best third-placed sides.

Stones is well aware of the need for a convincing performance to ignite England’s tournament after lacklustre displays in both the opening 1-0 win over Serbia and the dismal 1-1 draw with the Danes.

“It would be huge,” the centre-back said of the momentum a positive result and display could give to England’s campaign. “We’d all love to win three or four-nil every game.

“We’ve conceded maybe three goals in the past two Euros, it’s an incredible thing we’ve done. So, to keep a clean sheet and hopefully get a few more names on the scoresheet would be a big statement.”

Confidence not exactly flowing...

18:03 , Matt Verri

Our reporters have been out in Cologne today, speaking to various England fans.

Fair to say they are not all particularly chuffed with the efforts of England, and more specifically Gareth Southgate, so far.

Sesko: Slovenia's "supernatural" star

17:52 , Matt Verri

Speak to those who know Benjamin Sesko best and they will tell you his meteoric rise is no surprise.

Youth coaches in Slovenia always thought he was destined for the top and, at 21 years old, the striker is already among the most-wanted in Europe.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United were all interested in signing Sesko this summer, but he decided to continue his development at RB Leipzig and sign a new contract with them.

Tonight gives Sesko the chance to show what all the fuss is about as Slovenia take on England.

Rok Zorko, who worked with Sesko between the ages of 13 to 15 at Slovenia side NK Krsko Posavje, recalls the striker’s shot being so powerful he once scored from kick-off.

Before joining Krsko, Sesko had played in defence, midfield and even occasionally as a goalkeeper - but the club quickly decided he was a striker. In two years with them, he scored more than 100 goals.

“Where else can you play a boy who is supernaturally fast, has excellent individual technique, an even better shot and an exceptional jump,” Zorko tells Standard Sport. “He was always the striker. He was a born winner and shooter.”

Click here for our in-depth read on Sesko!

Stage is set...

17:44 , Matt Verri

Glorious evening in Cologne!

England fans loving life ahead of kick-off - let’s see if the team can help them enjoy the 90 minutes of football this time.

Kane responds to Lineker criticism

17:34 , Matt Verri

Harry Kane has hit back at Gary Lineker’s criticism after last week’s 1-1 draw with Denmark

Lineker, the former England captain turned BBC presenter, described England’s performance as “s***” and said Kane “needs to do a lot better”.

Kane said: “What ex-players have to realise is that it is very hard not to listen to it now, especially for some players who are not used to it or who are new to the environment.

“I always feel like they have a responsibility. I know they have got to be honest and give their opinion but they also have a responsibility as an ex-England player that a lot of players looked up to. People do care about what they say and people do listen to them.

“Everyone has got their opinion but the bottom line is we have not won anything as a nation for a long, long time and a lot of these players were part of that as well, so they know how tough it is.

“It is not digging anyone out. It is just the reality that they know that it is tough to play in these major tournaments and tough to play for England.

“I would never disrespect any player. All I would say is remember what it is like to wear the shirt and that their words are listened to. You do hear it.”

Standard Sport prediction

17:26 , Matt Verri

On paper, England should have no trouble dispatching a Slovenia side who have only impressed in brief flashes. But the same can also be said about the Three Lions, who have underwhelmed across their opening two games.

The Three Lions will surely be on the front foot more than we have seen so far, but it could prove to be a fairly nervy night with this England squad still searching for confidence.

England to win, 2-1.

Slovenia team news

17:18 , Matt Verri

Slovenia are monitoring an injury issue for star striker Benjamin Sesko.

The RB Leipzig forward, who had attracted transfer interest from Arsenal and Chelsea before deciding to stay with the German club, was replaced during the closing stages of their draw with Serbia last time out with a muscle issue.

Reports from The Athletic, however, suggest the 21-year-old could be in line to feature despite the concern.

Predicted Slovenia XI: Oblak; Karnicnik, Drkusic, Bijol, Janza; Stojanovic, Elsnik, Cerin, Mlakar; Sporar, Sesko

England team news

17:14 , Matt Verri

England will avoid the temptation of making multiple changes to the starting lineup for tonight’s Euro 2024 game against Slovenia.

The manager's experiment with Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield has not convinced, so Conor Gallagher, who has replaced the Liverpool man from the bench in both Euros games, is set to be the only fresh face in the starting XI.

Anthony Gordon, the only natural left-winger in the squad, will have to settle for a potential role off the bench despite criticism that England lacked balance and width from the left against Denmark.

Kieran Trippier, who has deputised at left-back, is thought to be carrying a calf injury but trained on Monday so should be fit.

Luke Shaw, the only recognised left-back in the squad, has returned to training but has not played since February, meaning he will not feature.

Predicted England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Gallagher, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Foden, Kane

How to watch England vs Slovenia

17:07 , Matt Verri

TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 6.45pm BST ahead of an 8pm kick-off.

Live stream: Fans can also catch the contest live online for free via the ITVX app and website.

Live blog: You can follow all the action right here, with our reporters Malik Ouzia and Dan Kilpatrick at the ground to provide expert analysis.

Good afternoon!

17:02 , Matt Verri

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of England vs Slovenia!

The Three Lions have already booked their place in the last-16 but there is still work to do if they are to top Group C, and avoid a showdown with Germany.

Victory here would get the job done, but the performance is almost just as important. It’s all been fairly uninspiring so far - England need to show much, more tonight.

We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news ahead of kick-off, which comes at 8pm BST in Cologne.