England edged a step closer to qualification for the quarter-finals at the European Under-21 Championship after a goalless draw with Slovenia that was high on energy but low on quality.
Lee Carsley’s side had the better of the chances but could not find a way past Slovenia goalkeeper Martin Turk, who produced arguably his best save in injury time to tip a Jack Hinshelwood header over the bar.
The draw suits both teams, hence their risk-free approach. It means England need only a point against Germany in their final group game to make sure of progression while Slovenia remain in the hunt. They need Germany to beat England and for them to see off Czechia.
Another point on the board at the #U21EURO finals, as our #YoungLions draw with Slovenia on matchday two. pic.twitter.com/MmrAWGaOPm
— England (@England) June 15, 2025
Watch out, Beadle’s about
Slovenia were much the better side in the opening salvos with Brighton goalkeeper James Beadle excelling.
He did well to get something on Svit Seslar’s dangerous free-kick in the sixth minute before producing a brilliant block to repel Tio Cipot’s shot after he was left unmarked inside the area.
Spezia forward Cipot was causing England problems and Beadle required two attempts to gather his long-range shot after 20 minutes.
England had barely ventured forward but should have opened the scoring shortly afterwards.
After Slovenia made a hash of clearing the ball, it fell nicely for James McAtee on the right but the Manchester City man fluffed his cross with Jonathan Rowe in space at the far post.
The game was opening up with both sides creating opportunities.
Again England’s final ball was lacking, Rowe failing to pick out Nwaneri inside the area before Seslar produced a brilliant 25-yard effort that Beadle did well to tip over the bar.
England came close again nine minutes before half-time, Harvey Elliott volleying against the right-hand post after being picked out by a lovely pass from Elliot Anderson.
England get on top but Turk stands firm
The Three Lions continued to hold the upper hand after the break and only a brilliant save from Turk prevented McAtee from close range after a neat cross from Tino Livramento.
England were starting to dominate but Seslar was still proving a menace at the other end.
The 23-year-old has a wonderful left-foot and he used it again to great effect after 50 minutes with a powerful drive that Beadle did well to push clear.
England were bossing possession and territory but to little effect with Slovenia content to sit in and play on the counter.
The stalemate was almost broken after 78 minutes but Hinshelwood’s clever scooped pass towards fellow substitute Adam Stansfield saw the Birmingham man denied by Turk before he could get a shot away.
Elliott shot wide and then headed over as England cranked up the pressure but they could not find a way past Turk, who had the final say with a brilliant stop to tip over Hinshelwood’s header after a fine cross from Brooke Norton-Cuffy.
