6 months ago
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HARRY KANE has issued a rallying cry to England fans after yet another uninspiring performance.
The Three Lions stumbled their way to the top of Group C with a 0-0 draw against Slovenia.
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Gareth Southgate‘s side have looked far from their best in Germany so far, but have still managed to secure a place in the last 16.
And it hasn’t come without criticism as fans and pundits have taken aim at the side’s lack of creativity across their three stale matches.
However, captain Kane has looked to ensure fans there is plenty to be excited about as the tournament continues, while focusing on the positives of their Euro 2024 campaign so far.
Writing on his social media, he posted: “Top of the group. Our best is still to come…”
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England fans will certainly be hoping there is more to come as they have seen their side score just two goals in three games.
While the Three Lions managed only four shots on target during their goalless draw against Slovenia, despite dominating the ball with 74 per cent possession.
Gareth Southgate offered a similar view of his team’s efforts at the tournament, focusing in on the positives.
Speaking to ITV after the match, he said: “I thought we were much-improved with the ball.
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“We’ve created some good openings and, at the moment, it’s hard work for us.
“We’re not quite getting that break in front of goal. I thought the boys that came on had a really good impact on the game.
“And we’ve had the discipline to keep a clean sheet, which has meant we’ve topped the group.”
He went on to explain that he understands some of the criticism he and the players has come in for, but is concerned over the atmosphere it could be creating in the camp.
He added: “I understand the narrative towards me. That’s better for the team than it being towards them.
“But it’s creating an unusual environment to operate in. I’ve not seen any other team qualify and receive similar.”
England player ratings: Southgate's Gallagher experiment fails miserably vs Slovenia
ENGLAND served up another underwhelming performance – but still managed to top Group C.
England dominated the ball, but Southgate will have plenty of questions to answer after a third straight display that lacked inspiration.
SunSport’s Tom Barclay has given his ratings of the England players.
Jordan Pickford – 6
Largely a spectator due to England’s dominance on the ball. Asked the touchline what the Denmark score was during one break in the second half.
Kieran Trippier – 6
The one positive of having a right-footed player playing left-back is that he can dispatch in-swinging crosses, and one such one should have been headed home by Conor Gallagher before the break.
Marc Guehi – 7
Cruyff turn early doors showed his confidence from excellent displays against Serbia and Denmark, and barring one loose pass was good again.
John Stones – 6
One of many to miss his target with his passing. He wasn’t bad but, like others, way off what he has produced for his club.
Kyle Walker – 5
Played so safe, rarely looked to get forward. Was lucky at one point that Pickford was alive to his blast of a pass-back. Sliced cross after break summed up his off-night.
Conor Gallagher – 4
Got the nod after the Trent Alexander-Arnold midfield experiment ended, but was poor, particularly, in possession and replaced at half-time by Kobbie Mainoo.
Declan Rice – 7
Had promised an “in your face” performance from his team, but he was really the only one to produce it. Very good out of possession, much better than against Denmark.
Phil Foden – 7
Liveliest of England’s attacking four by a mile and went close with a stinging free-kick. Booked for dissent, summing up England’s frustration.
Jude Bellingham – 5
Cut a very frustrated figure as he and Harry Kane got in each other’s way at times, while he was often shunted wide left as Phil Foden moved into the middle.
Bukayo Saka – 6
Tapped home on 20 minutes, but it was ruled out for offside in the build-up. OK but once again subbed after the break, perhaps due to fitness concerns.
Harry Kane – 6
Insists he is 100 per cent fit and maybe he is. What is 100 per cent certain is that he has been nowhere near as effective in this tournament as he usually is for England, albeit he was marginally better here.
Substitutes
Kobbie Mainoo (for Gallagher at half-time) – 7
Made a difference when coming on, making England much more positive in their play. So much more confident with his touch than Gallagher.
Cole Palmer (for Bukayo Saka on 71) – 7
Finally made an appearance at this tournament and one clever ball through for Mainoo showed what he can do.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Kieran Trippier on 84) – 6
Came on for the final few minutes at right-back, with Walker going to left-back.
Anthony Gordon (for Phil Foden on 88) – 6
Like Palmer, first minutes at the Euros, but too late to make an impact.
Gareth Southgate has defended his teamGetty
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