Needing just a single point to secure a spot in the Euro 2024 last-16, England will wrap up their Group C campaign against Slovenia at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne.
There was a noticeable difference between England's first Group C match against Serbia and their clash with Denmark on June 20. In their opener, the Three Lions were able to hold their lead by sitting back, but their passive play against Denmark did not go unpunished.
A win by any margin, or a failure by Denmark to beat Serbia, would guarantee England first place in the group and help them avoid a potential clash with Germany in the first knockout round. Even in the worst-case scenario, England would likely advance as one of the best third-placed teams. Nonetheless, with only two wins in their last seven matches, England's recent form offers Slovenia hope for their upcoming crucial match.
Slovenia came close to a historic win in their second match against Serbia, with right-back Zan Karnicnik scoring late, only for Luka Jovic to equalize in the dying moments. After a last-minute equalizer against Denmark in their first match, Slovenia now sits in third place and is level with Denmark in all metrics, but a win in Cologne would see them through.
Remarkably, all four outcomes are still possible for Slovenia, who have gone eight matches unbeaten, with the last three ending 1-1. They have consistently scored in their last 14 games since a 2-0 loss to Finland, and they aim to break their winless streak against England, having lost five of their six encounters, including a 1-0 defeat at the 2010 World Cup, which saw England advance to the last 16—a promising sign for Southgate's team.
Prediction: England
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