Slovenia's historic quest in the Euros as they face Gareth Southgate's England

Slovenia's historic quest in the Euros as they face Gareth Southgate's England

Eric Munene 09:30 - 25.06.2024

Slovenia aim to make history in the European Championship

England faces a crucial test against Slovenia in their final Euro 2024 Group C encounter, with a draw enough to secure their spot in the knockout phase if Denmark fails to defeat Serbia.

Manager Gareth Southgate has come under fire due to England's lackluster attacking displays, failing to score more than one goal in their last three matches and struggling in recent head-to-head meetings with Slovenia.

Slovenia remain undefeated in eight matches, including impressive wins over top-ranked teams like the USA and Portugal earlier in the year.

If they manage to pick up a point or win the match against England, they will progress the knockout stages for the first time in 24 years.

Despite being two points behind England, Slovenia's spirited performances, highlighted by their defensive solidity and resilience, pose a significant challenge to the Three Lions.

As we continue to wait for Chelsea’s gem Cole Palmer to make a start for his national team to show what he can do on the international stage, England will be looking for overcome their underwhelming performances.

England's hopes may rest on the shoulders of Ollie Watkins, who showed promise after replacing Harry Kane in their last match.

Watkins, having contributed 32 goals for Aston Villa in the Premier League season, could provide the spark England desperately needs upfront.

Meanwhile, Slovenia's forward Andraž Šporar, familiar with English football from his stint at Middlesbrough, poses a threat with his knack for scoring crucial goals.

As both teams prepare for this high-stakes clash, England must overcome their offensive struggles to avoid an upset against a resilient Slovenian side eager to continue their fairytale run in the tournament.

The match promises to be a test of character and tactical acumen for Gareth Southgate's men, who seek to silence their critics and advance to the next stage of Euro 2024.