In the latest match of Euro 2024, England faced Slovenia in a disappointing 0-0 draw. The match was marked by frustration for the English side, and Jude Bellingham’s performance drew significant criticism from fans.
What Happened?
England’s performance against Slovenia was lackluster, as they struggled to break through a resolute Slovenian defense. Despite having star players like Harry Kane, England could not find the net. The Slovenian defense put up an incredible resistance, frustrating England’s attempts to score.
Jude Bellingham, in particular, faced harsh criticism for his performance. As the match progressed, he appeared to run out of energy, contributing little to England’s attack. This lack of creativity and cutting edge in their play was evident throughout the game.
Fan Reactions
English fans did not hold back in expressing their disappointment. On social media, many fans targeted Bellingham for his “lazy” performance. One fan, @InvertTheWing, tweeted, “Get Jude Bellingham off the pitch. This is an absolutely, disgusting, lazy performance. What a disgrace to the country. You are not playing for your club, you are not playing for yourself, you are playing for the people of the nation.”
Another fan, @SxrgioSZN, sarcastically noted, “No England player shouted VAMOS more times than Bellingham vs Slovenia (8) Generational 👏🏼.”
@wembley_13 added to the criticism, saying, “🚨BREAKING: UEFA has decided not give motm award for England vs Slovenia match because they were all sh*t.”
Meanwhile, @Cruise_Travel63 vented frustration, stating, “Utter site. Any other group and we’d be out. Denmark, Serbia and Slovenia are worse than us….as are Scotland….now look who’s left that we have to beat. Utter site and going home very soon.”
The Bigger Picture
Despite their unimpressive run in Euro 2024, England has managed to emerge as the group topper. They head to the knockouts with five points, having won against Serbia and drawn the next two matches versus Denmark and Slovenia. However, their performances have raised concerns about their ability to progress further in the tournament.
Did You Know?
Bellingham’s performance against Slovenia was particularly poor. He created zero chances, had no shots, and lost possession 16 times, the most of any player on his team. This was not an isolated incident, as he has been consistently underperforming throughout the tournament, registering just one shot and creating only one chance in all three matches.
Looking Ahead
England must improve significantly if they want to go deep into the tournament. They could potentially face the Netherlands from Group D, who have qualified as one of the best four third-placed teams, provided Czechia or Georgia fail to win their respective matches in Group F. The round of 16 match will take place on June 30 at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen.
Tactical Analysis
Denmark’s tactical approach emphasized control and dominance from the start. Their ability to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities highlighted their strengths. However, their reliance on set pieces and VAR decisions exposed a vulnerability that could be exploited by stronger teams in the knockout stages.
Serbia’s defensive resilience, primarily showcased by Rajković, was commendable. Yet, their lack of offensive firepower and Mitrović’s missed chances underscore a critical area for improvement. The Serbian midfield struggled to provide adequate support, often leaving the forwards isolated and ineffective.
Final Thoughts
This match was a testament to the high stakes and intense competition of the European Championships. Denmark’s journey continues, facing a formidable German side, while Serbia must reflect on its performance and prepare for future competitions. The thin margins and critical moments, such as Mitrović’s missed chance, underline the fine line between success and failure in international football.
