England look to silence critics

COLOGNE, Germany (AP):

ENGLAND PLAY Slovenia in their final Group C game at the European Championship today. Negativity has surrounded Gareth Southgate’s team following their unconvincing 1-1 draw with Denmark, but England still top the group and have already advanced to the round of 16.

England’s 1-1 draw with Denmark has sparked heavy criticism of the team, despite leading Group C. England qualified for the second round yesterday when Spain eliminated Albania 1-0. That guaranteed the English could, at a minimum, progress as one of the best third-place teams.

England beat Serbia 1-0 in their opening game and winning the group would mean England face one of the best third-place teams from Group D, E or F.

Slovenia, on two points, go into the game knowing they could finish top or bottom of the group, depending on results.

Slovenia have drawn against Denmark and Serbia.

According to Southgate, Luke Shaw is still not available after missing the end of the season with a hamstring injury.

Southgate may decide to make a change in midfield after experimenting with defender Trent Alexander-Arnold in a holding role. Conor Gallagher could partner Declan Rice instead.

Huge motivation

Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek was asked about the availability of striker Benjamin Sesko and said some of his players had undergone specialised individual training.

“We’ve got huge motivation. We haven’t played the way we want to yet and we have the opportunity to win the group. That could be very important,” said Southgate.

“When you play teams like Slovenia, you know what you are going to get. They are going to come at us, they are going to want to win the game, they are going to want to shock the world,” said Rice.

And Rice is right if what Slovenia’s coach has to say is right.

“We are still masters of our destiny, with all due respect to England, who are an outstanding team. This will be the biggest challenge for this generation of players. But I am sure it will not be the last. We have calmed the nerves after Serbia, we have analysed the positives and negatives from that match. We are ready,” said Kek.

In Group D, France play Poland and the Netherlands are up against Austria.

Poland have lost their first two games and play against a French team, who are anxious to top the group. The French are also missing their talisman, Kylian Mbappé, but are hoping he feels strong enough to play despite a broken nose.

The Netherlands lead the group with four points and more goals scored but face an Austrian unit, just a point away from the top two. Only Poland are out. A draw for the Nethlands will see them through, but Austria would have to wait.

Today’s Games

France vs Poland (11:00 a.m.)

Netherlands vs Austria (11:00 a.m.)

Denmark vs Serbia (2:00 p.m.)

England vs Slovenia (2:00 p.m.)