During England’s last group stage match against Slovenia, Bukayo Saka had a goal disallowed due to an offside judgment in the buildup.

England had a lot to prove after receiving criticism for their dreadful performances in their previous matches against Serbia and Denmark, even though they were practically secured a spot in the round of 16 before the game even started.

If they can secure first place in Group C, they will have an easier draw in their first round of 16 match—if, of course, they beаt Slovenia, of course—and they won’t have to worry about the outcome of the other game between Denmark and Serbia to do this.

Once again, England got off to a sluggish start in Cologne, this time failing to string together any оffensive moves. But they came alive with a left wing surge as the 20-minute mark drew near.

City midfielder Phil Foden got in behind Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, controlled the ball inside the box, and set up Saka for a close-range tap-in.

However, the linesman’s flag was raised practically immediately after the ball found the back of the net. Foden was rightfully determined to have veered into an offside position when Rice sent his well-spotted through ball.

The champions of Group C will meet in the quarterfinals against either Switzerland or Italy, depending on whose team finished third in Groups D, E, or F.

The runner-up from Group C will face Germany in the round of 16, and then they may face Spain in the quarterfinals. The third-place team, meanwhile, would face an opponent whose fate in the group is still up in the air depending on their chosen path.

After playing the same eleven for England’s first two games at Euro 2024, manager Gareth Southgate made one change to the starting lineup, substituting Conor Gallagher for Trent Alexander-Arnold in the middle of the field alongside Declan Rice.

Three years ago, England lost their first-ever European Championship match in a penalty shootout to Italy.