Groans not goals as England top group after playing out drab stalemate

ENGLAND progressed to the European Championship knockout phase as Group C winners, but fans again expressed their frustration after Gareth Southgate's side were held to a 0-0 draw by stubborn Slovenia.

- SIMON PEACH

The Euro 2020 runners-up have been widely criticised following an unconvincing start to a tournament they are among the favourites to win.

England bossed possession against well-drilled Slovenia but were unable to turn their dominance into a morale-boosting victory as last night's clash in Cologne ended goalless and with more groans. However, this result coupled with the stalemate between Denmark and Serbia saw them top the pool, meaning they will face a third-placed side in the last-16 on Sunday.

England who were already assured of progress after Monday's results - have to wait another day to find out who awaits them in Gelsenkirchen, where they return after a pair of frustrating draws.

The performance against Denmark was far more alarming than the one versus Slovenia, but the inability to break down the side 57th in FIFA's world rankings is sure to be pored over in close detail.