Southgate Praises Subs for “really good impact” Against Slovenia at Euro 2024

England manager, Gareth Southgate has praised his substitutes for their “really good impact” in goalless draw against Slovenia. 

Southgate’s Three Lions topped Group C with a goalless draw against Slovenia amidst boos from supporters throughout the match, with top spot only confirmed due to Denmark also suffering a goalless draw against Serbia.

Kobbie Mainoo replaced Conor Gallagher at half-time with Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Anthony Gordon brought on late in the game, as England found their attacking spark following a lacklustre start to the tournament.

Southgate consequently felt that the team improved with the substitutions to keep a clean sheet in a game of little quality, despite wanting to win the game.

“I thought the boys that came on had a really good impact on the game. We’ve had the discipline to keep a clean sheet which meant that we topped the group.”

“We wanted to win the game as you saw from the changes we made. We put attacking players on the pitch.”

Palmer in particular drew praise from Southgate for his technique and composure as he continued: “He was very good, he finds space well, he has lovely technique. He’s calm. You really fancied him with that chance at the end.

“We have lots of young players. We’re balancing blooding them in a difficult environment but they had a really good impact when they came on and they used the ball really well for us.

“Anthony Gordon, Kobbie [Mainoo], Cole, it was a really good move at the end. We have to build on that, there are lots of things to build on from tonight.”

Gallagher

Southgate proceeded to speak of his happiness at the team’s improvement in possession despite lacking luck in front of goal.

“I thought we were much improved with the ball. We created some good openings and at the moment it is hard work for us. We’re not quite getting that break in front of goal. I understand some reactions, but it’s a strange environment we are playing in.”

The manager though felt that the substitutions wouldn’t of been able to turn the game into a ruthlessly comfortable victory.

“I don’t think we were going to go from where we were to winning three or four-nil. It’s not realistic with the intensity of the game but there are a lot of things I was very pleased with.”