England 0-0 Slovenia LIVE: Bukayo Saka opener ruled out in Cologne as Three Lions look to avoid Germany

A bullet in the dark

England average 8.9 shots per game at UEFA EURO under Gareth Southgate (80 in 9 games).

Going into MD3, this is the lowest number of shots per match a nation has had under a coach to take charge of them in more than five European Championship matches on record (since 1980 ).

Group choice

A moment of concern for England fans as goalkeeper Jordan Pickford gently felt his fingers after his warm-up.

The Three Lions No.1 followed his own pre-match routine which saw him catch several half-volleys from close range.

However, after his final shot, Pickford grimaced as he walked away from his net and removed his glove.

The Everton star then grimaced as he stretched his fingers – he suffered a slight knock to his shoulder during training on Monday.

Pickford used that same hand to fist bump England goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson, so hopefully it was nothing more than a passing issue.

Magnificent

Slovenian fans have fun at England’s expense before kick-off, with one saying football will never come home for the Three Lions.

Another said Gareth Southgate’s side had lost their fear factor – as Manchester United’s Harry Maguire was missing at the back!

Rice, “victim” of Southgate’s tactics

Declan Rice looks unrecognizable in an England shirt at Euro 2024 – and Gareth Southgate’s tactics are to blame.

This is the view of Emmanuel Petit, who told talkSPORT: “I think even for Declan Rice, I don’t recognize him. The way he was wonderful with Arsenal last season, he was magnificent . He played as a leader.

“He was a master on the pitch all the time, taking responsibility. I saw him yesterday, falling back on the central defenders all the time. He was also incapable of building the play from behind when he had the chance .

“And I’ve never seen him try to support the attack and try to do the same thing he’s doing with Arsenal.

“So I think he’s not confident. He runs so many miles on the field. He’s the only one who does that. So he’s not the same Declan Rice, but I think he’s a victim of the structure, the tactics and the players he has. I got around him in midfield.”