Bukayo Saka had a aim denied by an offside resolution within the build-up throughout England’s last group stage recreation in opposition to Slovenia.
England had been already assured their place within the spherical of 16 earlier than the sport even kicked off, however had a significant level to show after attracting criticism for his or her completely underwhelming performances in opposition to Serbia and Denmark of their earlier video games.
Claiming the highest spot in Group C additionally provides (at the least in concept) a better draw of their first knockout recreation, with solely a win over Slovenia completely sure to ship that with out counting on the scoreline within the different recreation between Denmark and Serbia.
VIDEO: Euro 2024: Earlier Winners
England offside scrubs out Bukayo Saka ‘aim’
England once more made a gradual begin out in Cologne and struggled to get attacking strikes collectively within the early phases, however they lastly sparked into life because the 20 minute mark approached with a transfer up the left wing.
Manchester Metropolis’s Phil Foden made a superb run in behind to get onto Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice’s cross into the field earlier than squaring it throughout aim for Saka to faucet in from shut vary.
However the linesman’s flag went up nearly the second the ball hit the online, with Foden appropriately judged to have strayed into an offside place as Rice launched his well-spotted via ball.
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A lot better play from England…However, the offside flag is up and the aim does not stand 🙃#Euro2024 | #ENGSLO pic.twitter.com/htrU7ATlo1June 25, 2024
The Group C winners will go on to face one of many third-placed sides from teams D, E and F, with the successful facet occurring to face both Switzerland or Italy within the quarter-finals.
A gathering with Germany within the spherical of 16 awaits the Group C runners-up, probably with Spain to comply with within the quarters; whereas the third-placed facet’s route would pit them in opposition to an as-yet undetermined group winner.
Conor Gallagher changed Trent Alexander-Arnold as Declan Rice’s midfield accomplice in the one change Gareth Southgate made to his beginning line-up having named the identical XI for his facet’s first two video games at Euro 2024.
England performed of their first-ever European Championship last three years in the past, however succumbed to a penalty shootout defeat at Italy’s expense.
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Saka celebrated earlier than the flag was raised (Picture credit score: Getty Pictures)
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