England beat the Czech Republic to top Group D and start unbeaten in three games without conceding a goal at Euro 2020. Gareth Southgate’s side will face France, Germany or Portugal in the last 16 of the tournament. England have lost their last two matches – against Croatia and Slovenia – but are still in the group stage.
Gareth Southgate’s England team-mates would have preferred a win over the Czech Republic. But they are exacy where they want to be and Southgate will be satisfied with that. It has been nowhere near perfect, but it is hardly a cause for doom and gloom either.
Gareth Southgate’s England face Slovenia in the last 16 of Euro 2020 after a goalless draw against Slovakia. The Three Lions have now kept three clean sheets in their opening two games, with Jordan Pickford making a crucial diving save from Tomas Holas in the first half. Manchester United captain Harry Maguire came through 90 minutes unscathed after being out since early May with ankle ligament damage.
Chelsea’s Mason Mount was forced off af coming into contact with Billy Gilmour. Jack Grealish made his long-awaited start and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka came on.
Gareth Southgate has two new midfield options in Jack Grealish and Saka. Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho was left on the bench for Gareth Southgate’s side. The pair have given Southgate food for thought as he seeks to perfect that three-man formula behind Harry Kane. Manchester City’s Phil Foden is a doubt for the last 16 and Phil Mount is also in the mix.
The Three Lions have been unable to maintain a bright start their openingwo games at Euro 2016. Harry Kane is still struggling for that elusive first goal of the tournament and needs to step is game.
Gareth Southgate’s England are struggling to finish teams off, or even trouble them in the case of Scotland, with ambition and confidence occasionally seeming to fade. The good news is he can consider these questions after a healthy return of seven points from three group games and a place in the last 16 achieved with something to spare.
He will know there can be no lessening of intensity, no periods when they seem gripped by caution, no times when initiative is handed to teams far more talented than Croatia, Scotland and the Czech Republic.
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