England edged a step nearer to qualification for the quarter-finals on the European Below-21 Championship after a goalless draw with Slovenia that was excessive on power however low on high quality.
Lee Carsley’s facet had the higher of the possibilities however couldn’t discover a well past Slovenia goalkeeper Martin Turk, who produced arguably his finest save in harm time to tip a Jack Hinshelwood header over the bar.
The draw fits each groups, therefore their risk-free strategy. It means England want solely a degree in opposition to Germany of their remaining group recreation to ensure of development whereas Slovenia stay within the hunt. They want Germany to beat England and for them to see off Czechia.
One other level on the board on the #U21EURO finals, as our #YoungLions draw with Slovenia on matchday two. pic.twitter.com/MmrAWGaOPm
— England (@England) June 15, 2025
Be careful, Beadle’s about
Slovenia have been a lot the higher facet within the opening salvos with Brighton goalkeeper James Beadle excelling.
He did nicely to get one thing on Svit Seslar’s harmful free-kick within the sixth minute earlier than producing an excellent block to repel Tio Cipot’s shot after he was left unmarked inside the realm.
Spezia ahead Cipot was inflicting England issues and Beadle required two makes an attempt to assemble his long-range shot after 20 minutes.
England had barely ventured ahead however ought to have opened the scoring shortly afterwards.
After Slovenia made a hash of clearing the ball, it fell properly for James McAtee on the proper however the Manchester Metropolis man fluffed his cross with Jonathan Rowe in area on the far submit.
The sport was opening up with each side creating alternatives.
Once more England’s remaining ball was missing, Rowe failing to pick Nwaneri inside the realm earlier than Seslar produced an excellent 25-yard effort that Beadle did nicely to tip over the bar.
England got here shut once more 9 minutes earlier than half-time, Harvey Elliott volleying in opposition to the right-hand submit after being picked out by a stunning go from Elliot Anderson.
England get on prime however Turk stands agency
The Three Lions continued to carry the higher hand after the break and solely an excellent save from Turk prevented McAtee from shut vary after a neat cross from Tino Livramento.
England have been beginning to dominate however Seslar was nonetheless proving a menace on the different finish.
The 23-year-old has an exquisite left-foot and he used it once more to nice impact after 50 minutes with a robust drive that Beadle did nicely to push clear.
England have been bossing possession and territory however to little impact with Slovenia content material to take a seat in and play on the counter.
The stalemate was nearly damaged after 78 minutes however Hinshelwood’s intelligent scooped go in the direction of fellow substitute Adam Stansfield noticed the Birmingham man denied by Turk earlier than he may get a shot away.
Elliott shot vast after which headed over as England cranked up the stress however they may not discover a well past Turk, who had the ultimate say with an excellent cease to tip over Hinshelwood’s header after a fantastic cross from Brooke Norton-Cuffy.
