You’re still thinking of the bad news, aren’t you?
England qualified for the round of 16 on Tuesday night after a drab 0-0 draw against Slovenia. The result was enough to win group C but will do little to stem the critics of Gareth Southgate’s team.
England had enjoyed much of the possession in Cologne but struggled to create chances against a robust Slovenian defence who knew a draw was also enough to qualify.
England were also dependent on Denmark not beating Serbia in the groups other game.
Had the Danes found a winner in the dying moments it would have knocked the Three Lions into a last 16 match with hosts Germany.
Southgate and England will claim that it is job done.
They won the group with two clean sheets and the only goal they did concede was a 30-yard screamer from Morten Hjulmand against Denmark.
But this group has been the worst of Euro 2024. Only serving up seven goals in the six matches which has been the lowest of the tournament.
England’s performances have been poor and have not earned the tag as pre-tournament favorites.
Last week’s criticism from broadcasters also feels justified. The players clearly felt aggrieved before Slovenia but failed to put in the performance that would make their supporters believe.
The travelling England fans were superb again in Cologne but even that turned unsavory when plastic pint pots were thrown in the direction of the manager at the end of the match.
Southgate downplayed this of course. Safe in the knowledge that Euro 2024 is now a results business now they have reached the knockout stages.
By sheer luck England have found themselves on the so called ‘easier’ side of the draw after France failed to finish top of Group D.
They will play Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday evening which on paper is preferrable to the Netherlands.
Qualifying for the last 16 has been a triumph for Slovakia after beating Belgium in their opening Group E match. A goal by Ivan Schranz in the 7th minute secured the shock win.
The Slavia Prague winger was on target again in their second match which ended in a 2-1 defeat to Ukraine.
But, a 1-1 draw was with Romania in their final game was enough to the qualify as one of the best third placed teams.
Slovakia will test England’s underperforming midfield and forward line on Sunday.
Ondrej Duda (Hellas Verona) and Stanislav Lobotka (Napoli) have been influential at Euro 2024 and have plenty of experience of playing matches in Europe after several seasons in Serie A.
Milan Skriniar – at centre back - has also regularly played in the Champions League for Paris St-Germain and Inter Milan.
There is a precedent in European Championships – Greece in 2004 and Portugal in 2016 - where it is possible to bore your way through the competition and win it.
But then, England under Southgate have never taken advantage of luck and another trip to Gelsenkirchen fills me with dread.
Slovakia will care little for ego or big names now the opportunity of another big scalp has arisen.
England did win their opener against Serbia in the Veltins Arena so should be comfortable in those surroundings.
But, England cannot simply continue to plod through the tournament with the expectation of doing the bare minimum to progress.
If England are successful here, they will still run into the Italians, Dutch or an in form Austrian team.
Despite what the betting markets say England will not reach the final playing like this.
Sooner or later Southgate’s team is going to have to emerge from the bad news and start taking advantage of the blessings they have been given.
