England fans hold their breath as Three Lions kick-off final Euros group game
ENGLAND fans are holding their breath hoping for a much-needed win as the Three Lions’ crucial Euros clash with Slovenia kicks off.
Fans have been showing their passion for the Three Lions in Germany all day – and supporter zones in the UK are packed out for tonight’s game.
Around 50,000 fans began arriving in Cologne yesterday with many more filing in for tonight’s final group game.
England supporters have turned Cologne into a sea of red and white as they posed up in flags and downed pints.
The Three Lions will be determined to finish as Group C winners so they can avoid a tricky test in the round of 16 against Germany.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was dropped by Gareth Southgate for tonight’s clash with Conor Gallagher taking his place in midfield.
The game got off to a cagey start for the Three Lions with Slovenia having the first shot on target through Benjamin Sesko.
England’s best chance came in the 20th minute as Phil Foden picked out Bukayo Saka to tap in at the far post but it was ruled out for offside.
Back at home, millions across the UK ran out the door at work as the clocks struck 5pm.
Supporters flocked to boozers and beer gardens as they prepared to watch England’s crunch clash.
Footy fans in Boxpark Wembley and Croydon have been taken over by Euros fever on a glorious summer evening.
Thirsty supporters were thrilled to learn Germany has rushed in extra beer for them after Scotland drank the city dry.
Lifelong fan Mick Fitzpatrick told how he hoped that England could do better than their last encounter against Denmark.
An estimated 16million people are planning to tune in to ITV to show their support from their living rooms.
A staggering 12million pints will also be sunk in England‘s pubs as temperatures soar to 28C.
Bosses have already been told to brace for a wave of workers calling in sick tomorrow.
England have already secured a place in the last-16 thanks to Spain‘s 1-0 win over Albania yesterday.
But tonight’s game is still an important one as the Three Lions will lose their much-needed top spot if they lose.
Denmark and Serbia play each other in the other game this evening, with the Danes in particular looking to capitalise on any England slip up.
A win for Slovenia would see them leapfrog England and take first place thanks to their decent form in the tournament so far.
They have not lost either of their opening two matches despite being ranked underdogs in the group.
Even a draw would not necessarily be enough for England as Denmark beating Serbia would leave us equal on points.
In that case, the winner of Group C will go down to goal difference – meaning Gareth Southgate‘s men will need a high-scoring game.
If we go through second, a harder path awaits, with England forced to face old rivals Germany for a place in the quarter-finals.
But a first-place spot guarantees a match against one of the best third-places sides from Group D, E or F.
They are Austria, Slovakia and Czech Republic as it stands.
A dreaded slump into third means England face the winners of Group E or F, which are Romania and Portugal with one game to go.
All eyes will now be on Southgate, who has so far faced criticism for his team’s lacklustre opening two games.
Chelsea star Conor Gallagher is likely to come into the England starting XI in his place ahead of other options such as Kobbie Mainoo or Adam Wharton.
Elsewhere, Luke Shaw is back in training and debate over Phil Foden‘s form in the competition is raging on.
The manager pulled no punches in his post-match assessment of England’s 1-1 draw with Denmark last week.
He said: “We didn’t press the ball with our intensity and we kept conceding possession too cheaply and when you do those two things it’s hard to have control in the game.
“It led to an anxious performance the longer we game went on and we understand that that’s got to be better if we want to progress to the stages of the tournament that everybody’s expecting and delivering what we need to deliver.”
Three Lions skipper Harry Kane also admitted England “haven’t been good enough” following the disappointing draw.
He said: “We’re struggling with and without the ball. The pressing in both games hasn’t been quite right.
“We haven’t been good enough, from top to bottom, from me to Picks (Jordan Pickford).
“Everyone is dropping below their level a bit, in terms of retaining the ball, playing under pressure.
“We know there’ll be a bit of noise and disappointment back home. But it’s a time to stay calm and we’ll get there step by step.”
England's Wags hit Germany
Anouska, the girlfriend of Luke Shaw, and Megan, the wife of Jordan Pickford were pictured enjoying the sights in the famous German city.
The duo were seen enjoying some food and drink before England‘s crunch final Group C clash with Slovenia.
Both sported white tops for the outing but had switched up their trousers.
Anouska was seen in baggy blue jeans, while Megan wore a more close-fitting black pair.
They have been spotted supporting their partners from the stands during the games.
Megan would have been delighted to see Everton star Pickford keep a clean sheet in game one against Serbia, making him a joint record holder which Peter Shilton for most cleans sheets at major tournaments.