Gareth Southgate pleaded for England's supporters to "stay with the team", after venting their frustration following the goalless draw with Slovenia.

The Three Lions advanced to the Euro 2024 knockout stages as Group C winners, despite winning just one of their opening three games and scoring two goals. 

Southgate's side, who came under scrutiny following their 1-1 draw with Denmark, did little to silence those critics with another underwhelming performance against the Slovenians.

Despite dominating large periods of the contest with 74% of possession, it yielded an expected goals (xG) tally of just 0.87, with the front three of Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden registering just two shots on target between them.

Sections of England fans jeered their team at the final whistle, while hurling empty drinks cups in the direction of Southgate as he applauded them.

The Three Lions boss empathised with the supporters, but urged them to point the finger of blame at him, rather than his players.

"I understand it. I'm not going to back away from it," he told reporters during his post-match press conference. "The most important thing is the supporters stay with the team.

"I understand the narrative towards me, and that's better for the team than it being towards them. But it is creating an unusual environment to operate in. I've not seen any other team qualify and receive similar.

"[The players] kept composure in a game where they've come into a really challenging environment. Of course, we'd love a couple of goals that sends everybody home happy. But we were definitely an improvement on what we did in the last game."

"I think the changes we made had a positive effect on the game tonight. We weren't able to find the right pass, the final finish. But we are improving."

Despite the disappointment at their performance levels, England have managed to avoid the half of the draw that includes the likes of France, Germany, Spain and Portugal.

The Three Lions will play either the Netherlands, who finished third in Group D, or Group E's third-placed side in the round of 16 in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.

And Southgate knows a positive atmosphere within the camp will be crucial as the Euro 2020 finalists target another deep run in this competition.

"You never want to look back having not topped the group and spiral into tough matches where people can then accuse you that, because you didn't win the group, you've ended up with a tougher draw," he added.

"We have made England over the last three or four years fun again. I think it has been enjoyable for the players, and we have got to be very, very careful that it stays that way."

Denmark head coach Kasper Hjulmand is relishing the opportunity of facing Euro 2024 hosts Germany in the knockout stages of the tournament this Saturday. 

The Danes concluded their Group C campaign with a goalless draw against Serbia in Munich, finishing second behind England in the standings.

"The last seven, eight minutes (against Serbia) were just defending, so I think our defence was really good, Hjulmand said after the game.

"We had to fight through the game at the end. But I think we showed character and there are so many things from the game that I'm happy about.

"There are a few things in the attack that we have to tweak in order to succeed but I know that we can we can do that. We have some great players there."

Denmark drew all three of their group games, finishing ahead of Slovenia based on their disciplinary record, ultimately coming down to Milivoje Novakovic, a member of Matjaz Kek's coaching staff, being shown a yellow card against the Danes. 

It sets up a meeting with Germany, a side they have failed to beat in their last four meetings, with their last triumph coming in an international friendly in March 2007.

"I really love football here in Germany and playing against Germany with the Danish team, it can't be better, I can't wait. It's a great team. But we're a great team as well. And when we play the big nations, we always step up," Hjulmand said.

Moeen Ali acknowledged England will "have to be at our best" to beat India when they lock horns in the T20 World Cup semi-finals on Thursday.

The reigning champions have recovered from a slow start to their total defence to reach their fourth successive semi-final in the competition.

England have subsequently set up a rematch of their showdown with India at this stage of the 2022 competition, when Jos Buttler and Alex Hales inspired England to a 10-wicket victory with four overs to spare.

Two years later, they face an India side full of momentum having won all six of their completed matches, while eliminating 50-over world champions Australia with a 24-run win on Monday. 

And Moeen knows England cannot afford to be off the pace in Guyana if they are to replicate their 2022 exploits. 

"They looked very, very strong, like they did in the last World Cup," he said. "They're just a brilliant side. They've got everything covered, so we're going to have to be at our best to beat them. I'm looking forward to it. 

"It's a great challenge, similar to the last time we played them in the semi-final in Australia. It's going to be a challenge, and we're going to have to plan and play really well."

Remembering that 2022 semi-final, Moeen added: "We were unbelievable with the bat. We set the game up on that wicket with the ball. Even when they got away from us a little bit at the end, it was a bit late. That was a great day, and a great performance."

Two more groups at Euro 2024 concluded on Tuesday as the tournament approaches the end of the first round.

England, Austria, France, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Denmark all confirmed their places in the knockout stage of the competition. 

Here, we unpack the best of the day's social media clips from the tournament in Germany.

Austria advance as group winners

Very few gave Austria a chance of emerging from Group D, let alone expected them to finish top ahead of France and the Netherlands. 

But Ralf Rangnick masterminded a spectacular display against the Oranje in Berlin to ensure their progression as group winners. 

Having endured a difficult spell with Manchester United, the 65-year-old is showing his class on the international stage, and Austria's official account celebrated along with the coach.

Maupay pokes fun at England 

Known for his tormenting antics both on and off the pitch, France's Neal Maupay was at it again following England's goalless draw with Slovenia. 

The Everton striker was quick to post on social media shortly after full-time in Cologne, posting a GIF of Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards to X. 

That trio of pundits have been the target of some ire from the England camp for their disparaging comments in recent days.

Ahead of the new Premier League season, this will surely fail to improve Maupay's popularity. 

Slovenia create history

England were met with boos when Clement Turpin's final whistle sounded. However, the opposite end of the Cologne Stadium was sheer euphoria. 

Despite failing to win a game at Euro 2024, Slovenia's three draws in Group C were enough to secure their spot in the knockout stages of the competition. 

An incredible achievement for a nation with a population of just 2.1 million and the third-lowest ranked team heading into the tournament. 

'Southgate, Southgate, thank you for the point'

While Gareth Southgate may not be the most popular among England fans right now, he certainly has the backing of the Slovenian supporters. 

Presenter and reporter Phil Kitromilides posted to X a video of a Slovenian thanking the Three Lions manager for the point that sent his nation through to the knockout stages. 

France gaining support from afar

While Les Bleus prepare for the knockout stages of Euro 2024, France legend Thierry Henry is prepping for an entirely different competition.

The former Arsenal striker, who won two major honours with his nation, is in charge of France's Olympic team for the Paris games, and is gearing up to win gold next month. 

Both the men's and women's teams were snapped taking a break from preparations to cheer on Didier Deschamps' side against Poland. That match finished 1-1.

Oranje take over Berlin

Despite not knowing what was to come at the Olympiastadion, the travelling Netherlands support were in fine voice ahead of their 3-2 defeat to Austria. 

A sea of orange (Oranje) lined the streets of the German capital, performing some impressively synchronised dance moves. 

The Dutch fans have been a highlight of the tournament, even if their team have failed to spark.

Germany all smiles ahead of knockout stages

Having secured their qualification to the last 16 with their draw with Switzerland on Sunday, Germany's stars were all smiles in training. 

Following the conclusion of Group C, Julian Nagelsmann's side will face Denmark in Dortmund this Saturday, and will be hoping to build on their impressive start. 

Onana's inspirational Belgium team talk

With Group E finely poised heading into Matchday 3, Belgium's Amadou Onana provided a motivational team talk for the Red Devils ahead of their meeting with Ukraine. 

The midfielder also managed to squeeze in his own rendition of R.Kelly's 'I Believe I Can Fly', and he will be hoping to soar into the knockout stages with Belgium.

Last week, Onana hit out at a reporter who repeatedly called him "Andre", so the Belgian social media department had some fun with that, too.

Spain firing on all cylinders

After maintaining their unbeaten start to their Euros campaign, Luis de la Fuente's side are showing no signs of slowing down ahead of the knockouts. 

La Roja posted a video on X showcasing a shooting drill from training, and it looks like they could take some stopping in Germany. 

Celebrating Van Basten strike

On this day in 1988, the Netherlands beat the Soviet Union to win the European Championships for the first time in their history. 

After Ruud Gullit opened the scoring, Marco van Basten secured the victory with one of the most iconic goals ever scored at the tournament.

And what better way to celebrate it than by recreating the strike with Euro 2024's mascot, Albart. 

Kylian Mbappe finally got going at Euro 2024, though France could not beat Poland.

Austria topped Group D, having defeated the Netherlands.

There was less action in the later matches in Group C, however.

Here, we round up the best statistics from the penultimate group-stage day of Euro 2024.

France 1-1 Poland: Masked Mbappe off the mark

It has been a long time coming, but Mbappe, with what was his 23rd shot, finally scored his first European Championship goal for France, converting a 56th-minute penalty against Poland in Dortmund.

Mbappe brought up his 13th goal for France at major international tournaments (with the previous 12 having come at the World Cup), with only Michel Platini netting more for Les Bleus in the two competitions combined (14).

That goal was also the first to be scored by a French player at Euro 2024, with Les Bleus having beaten Austria thanks to an own goal before they drew 0-0 with the Netherlands. 

Mbappe's maiden Euros strike was not enough to secure a French win, though, with Robert Lewandowski levelling an equaliser from the penalty spot for already-eliminated Poland.

Lewandowski became just the third player to score in four different editions of the European Championships after Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric, while the 35-year-old is the only player to score at each of the last four Euros (2012, 2016, 2020, 2024).

That being said, Poland have failed to win any of the five games in which Lewandowski has scored at the Euros (drawn four, lost one), the most games a player has scored in while failing to win in the competition's history.

This is the first time France have failed to win their group at a major international tournament since Euro 2012, with Les Bleus having finished as group winners at each of the previous five such tournaments before Euro 2024.

Netherlands 2-3 Austria: Wreck it Ralf

Plumped into a group with the Netherlands and tournament favourites France, Austria weren't fancied by many to come out on top. Well, Ralf Rangnick's side had other ideas.

Marcel Sabitzer became the first Austrian to play 10 matches at the European Championships, scoring his first goal in the competition from his 22nd shot, to seal a 3-2 victory in Berlin.

Austria have scored six goals at Euro 2024, their most in any edition of the tournament and their most in a major tournament since the 1978 World Cup (seven).

It is the first time Austria have won successive Euros matches. They have won four of their last six group stage matches in the competition (lost two), having not won any of their first six such games (drawn two, lost four).

The Netherlands, meanwhile, lost their first group-stage game at the Euros since 2012 against Portugal (2-1), while they last lost a match in the competition despite scoring two or more goals in 2004, against Czechia (3-2).

Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay got the goals for Ronald Koeman's team. Liverpool forward Gakpo has scored five of the Netherlands' last eight group-stage goals at major tournaments (World Cup and Euros), with no other Dutch player netting more than once in those matches.

England 0-0 Slovenia: Expected goals? Forget it

Another game, another unconvincing display from England, though they still finished top of Group C.

This was England’s seventh 0-0 draw at the European Championship (41st game), second only to Italy in the history of the competition (eight in 48 games).

The Three Lions accumulated an expected goals (xG) of just 0.87. Indeed, England's matches at Euro 2024 have produced the fewest xG (2.26 for, 1.13 against).

England's first shot in this match came via Harry Kane in the 30th minute – it was their longest wait for a shot in a match at the Euros since their meeting with Germany in 2000 (35th minute).

Gareth Southgate's team had 74% possession, which was the highest figure they have recorded in a major tournament match in which they failed to score.

Slovenia (57th) are the lowest-ranked side England have ever faced in a match at a major tournament since the FIFA ranking was introduced.

However, this result ensures Slovenia will be in the last 16 as one of the best third-placed sides.

Both Slovenia and Denmark drew all three of their Group C games; only once previously had a side drew all three of their group games in a single edition of the Euros, with Portugal doing so in 2016. Could Slovenia go on and replicate the Selecao's triumph? Surely not...

Denmark 0-0 Serbia: Eriksen's milestone appearance

Denmark could perhaps have been a tad braver against Serbia, and if they had, then they might have avoided Germany in the last 16.

As it is, they will play the hosts after a goalless draw with Serbia, who exited the competition in the process.

Christian Eriksen featured again and, in the process, became Denmark's record appearance maker, with 133 caps.

Eriksen created another two chances to add to his total haul of 13 at Euro 2024, the most-ever by a Danish player at a major tournament on record.

Denmark have drawn all three of their group games for the first time ever at a major tournament, while in all competitions, it is the first time the Danes have strung three draws together in a row since a run of four in June 2019.

Serbia are now without a victory in their last eight major tournament matches, since a 1-0 win over Costa Rica at the 2018 World Cup, their joint longest winless run at major tournaments.

They mustered just one shot on target, with their total haul of six shots on target at Euro 2024 their lowest-ever figure as an independent nation at a major tournament.

Gareth Southgate acknowledged it is "hard work" for England so far at Euro 2024, but attempted to focus on the positives despite another underwhelming draw for his side, this time against Slovenia.

The goalless clash in Cologne on Tuesday was enough for the Three Lions to secure top spot in Group C ahead of Denmark, who also drew 0-0 with Serbia.

Southgate's side therefore avoided a last-16 tie against Germany, but struggled once more to find an attacking spark.

The front three of Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden managed just two shots on target between them, while also registering just nine touches in Slovenia's penalty box.

England came under heavy criticism following their 1-1 draw with Denmark last week and there were boos from sections of their supporters following the full-time whistle in this game.

But Southgate insisted his side had performed better in their final group outing. 

"I thought we were much-improved with the ball," he told ITV. "We've created some good openings.

"At the moment, it's hard work for us. We're not quite getting that break in front of goal.

"We've had the discipline to keep a clean sheet, which has ended up meaning we top the group. I understand some reactions, but it's a strange environment we're playing in.

"We wanted to win the game, as you saw from the attacking changes we made. There were lots of things we can build on from the game and a lot of things are starting to come together.

"We looked more dangerous and we had a good impact from our subs. We've now just got to convert those chances."

The Three Lions boss praised the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon for their displays from the bench, and also explained his decision to replace Conor Gallagher - the sole change to the starting line-up from the Denmark game - at half-time.

"They're really young players, so we're balancing blooding them in a difficult environment, but they used the ball really well for us," he said.

"We started with Conor, who presses well, and I thought we did that better at the start of the game. We then felt Kobbie's ability to move the ball through the middle of the pitch was going to be helpful, which he did.

"I don't think we were going to go from where we were to winning 3-0 or 4-0; it's not realistic in the intensity in the game that we had. But there were a lot of things I was really pleased with."

England now await the identity of their last-16 opponents, which will either be the Netherlands - who finished third in Group D - or the third-placed nation in Group E.

The Euro 2020 finalists have avoided the half of the draw containing the likes of Germany, Spain, Portugal and France.

However, Southgate was quick to sweep aside any suggestions his side have been handed a more straightforward path towards a potentially deep run in the competition.

"We have to take it a step at a time," he added. "This was an improvement, but we've got to improve to win in the next round clearly.

"We have topped the group, and that was the objective at the start.

"We've got to play well and whoever we play, it's going to be a really tough game. We shouldn't be seduced by which half of the draw we're in."

John Stones understands the frustration of England supporters, but firmly believes the Three Lions are on the right track.

England drew 0-0 with Slovenia in Cologne on Tuesday, though with Denmark drawing against Serbia by the same scoreline, Gareth Southgate's team still topped Group C.

That means they avoid a last-16 tie with hosts Germany and find themselves in what appears to be the kinder side of the draw, also evading Portugal, France and Spain.

England had 74% possession and recorded 12 shots, though their expected goals (xG) value of 0.87 shows clear chances were once again at a premium.

Their possession figure is the highest the Three Lions have had in a single match at a major tournament without scoring (since Opta have tracked such data, from 1966 onwards for the World Cup, and 1980 for the Euros).

That being said, England's combined 1.13 xG against through their three matches is the lowest of any team in the tournament, as they continue to impress defensively.

And Stones feels there were clear improvements from the opening two fixtures.

Speaking to ITV Sport, Stones said: "Well, we wanted to win, but the objective was to top the group and we've done that, so I'm extremely pleased.

"It's not always going to be easy, especially not when everyone's got a target on our back to beat us.

"Two clean sheets out of three, a great positive for us to take into the next stage, and there was a lot of improvement from the other two games. We were free-flowing, we found the pockets [of space], created more chances, and I believe it's another step in the right direction.

"I can understand some of the fans' frustration with us not scoring, or not taking chances, that's football."

Stones, who is the only outfield player to have started all 22 matches for England at major tournaments under Southgate, added that the squad will be critical of their own displays, however.

"[We're] very close [to clicking]," he continued.

"We've got to focus on us and what we can control, and be harsh on ourselves about the game, what we could have done better. I do feel we took a step in the right direction. Not the result we wanted but I'm so pleased we top the group.

"We've got to beat whoever is put in front of us. No matter who we play, we've got to believe and step up when it counts."

Captain Harry Kane echoed his team-mate's sentiment.

Kane said: "That was the aim before the start of the tournament. Come top of the group and control our destiny. I thought we played a lot better than the other games. We couldn't just find that finish but we look forward to the next one.

"We created some half chances and there were some that we could maybe have done better.

"These games are tough. We have been here before and stepped it up in the past when we have got to the knockouts. All games in this tournament are tough. It is going to be a difficult challenge ahead and we have enough ability to keep pushing."

England will face either the Netherlands or any of the four teams from Group E in the next round.

Slovenia, meanwhile, will go through as one of the best third-placed sides, with Croatia from Group B officially eliminated as a result of Tuesday's matches.

England finished first in Group C at Euro 2024 but again disappointed during their goalless draw with Slovenia in Cologne on Tuesday.

The Three Lions endured another flat display in front of goal, with Bukayo Saka's ruled out first-half effort the only real moment of quality from Gareth Southgate's side.

An injection of pace from substitute Cole Palmer threatened to spark England into life, but a winning goal eluded them as they finished with just five points from their three group games.  

Despite the draw, England topped Group C following Serbia's goalless draw with Denmark, meaning they avoided a last-16 tie against hosts Germany. Matjaz Kek's side, meanwhile, secured their place in the knockout stages for the first time ever at a major tournament.

With hopes of a fast start from the Three Lions, it was Slovenia who registered the first effort as Benjamin Sesko saw his header comfortably gathered by Jordan Pickford. 

England thought they had taken the lead when Saka rounded off a slick attacking move, only to see what would have been his 12th international goal ruled out for offside.

Kieran Trippier came close to providing the opening goal, but his teasing delivery evaded both Conor Gallagher and Harry Kane inside the Slovenia penalty area. 

The introduction of Kobbie Mainoo for Gallagher at half-time aimed to add some attacking impetus, with his presence instantly sparking the absent pace from the England midfield. 

John Stones almost marked his 75th England appearance with a goal as he saw his header cleared off the line, with Marc Guehi unable to keep the loose ball alive. 

England continued to create a flurry of potential opportunities, with Declan Rice flashing an effort wide of Jan Oblak's goal and substitute Cole Palmer also seeing his effort repelled by Slovenia's number one. 

The result for Southgate's side confirmed Croatia's elimination from the tournament, with the full-time whistle greeted with frustration by the England support as Slovenia celebrated a remarkable achievement.

England yet to dazzle, but get the job done

With the expectations of England's plethora of attacking options possibly being enough to win the tournament on their own, it was yet another underwhelming display. 

A front three of Kane, Saka and Phil Foden managed just two shots on target between them, with the trio also managing just nine touches in Slovenia's penalty box. 

With much of the focus surrounding Jude Bellingham, the Los Blancos star was a shadow of the man who scored 23 goals for Real Madrid this season. 

The 20-year-old completed 86% of his 57 passes, the second-lowest of England's midfield behind Gallagher (85%) and an improvement will be needed regardless of whoever England's last-16 opponents end up being.

Resilient Slovenia get their rewards

Despite failing to win a game at Euro 2024, Slovenia proved difficult opponents for each of Group C's sides and have received their just rewards. 

Slovenia are now undefeated in their last 4 games in the Euros, their longest unbeaten streak in the competition (since at least 1992).

Kek's side can also take pride from maintaining their unbeaten record arriving into the tournament, and have now not tasted defeat in their last nine matches in all competitions (W4 D5), matching the longest ever unbeaten run in their history (9 games between September 2020 and March 2021).

It remains to be seen who awaits Slovenia in the next round, but they can take pride with their sensational achievement on the international stage. 

Denmark booked their place in the last 16 of Euro 2024 as they drew 0-0 with Serbia, who were eliminated.

The Danes went into the last matchday of Group C knowing a victory could see them through as winners, but instead Kasper Hjolmund's team had to settle for second, meaning they will take on hosts Germany on Saturday.

Serbia, on the other hand, needed a win to stand any chance of progressing, but with Novak Djokovic watching on from the stands in Munich, Dragan Stojkovic's could not get over the line.

They had their chances. Luka Jovic had a goal disallowed and Aleksandar Mitrovic, who had two penalty appeals waved away, curled just wide.

Dusan Vlahovic also went close with a late header that looped onto the roof of the net, but the Danes got the job done, despite not winning a match in Group C.

England, who also drew 0-0 with Slovenia in the other game, top the group.

Data Debrief: Serbia's major slump

Serbia are winless in their last eight major tournament matches (drawn two, lost five) since a 1-0 win over Costa Rica at the 2018 World Cup. They last had a winless run as long as this at tournaments between 1974 and 1982 as Yugoslavia (eight games).

Indeed, since winning four consecutive matches between January and June 2023, Serbia have only won four of their 14 games in all competitions (drawn four, lost six) and have kept just two clean sheets during that span.

Liam Livingstone is hopeful England are coming good at the perfect time ahead of their T20 World Cup semi-final against India, having grown into the tournament after a slow start.

The defending champions almost succumbed to a humiliating group-stage exit, with only old rivals Australia keeping them in with a dramatic victory over Scotland.

Having finished second in Group B, Jos Buttler's team did likewise in Group 2 at the Super-8 stage, a resounding victory over the United States sending them through at West Indies' expense. 

England now have a chance to reach their fourth T20 World Cup final and their third in the last four editions, while a third triumph at the tournament would take them clear of the Windies for the outright record. 

All-rounder Livingstone says England have a chance to prove tournaments are not about how you start, but how you finish. 

"In tournament cricket, sometimes it is better to sneak up and nick it at the end," said Livingstone. "Hopefully that is the way we will go. 

"A lot of lads have been contributing in the last few games which should stand us in good stead going forward. We've hopefully got two more massive games."

Livingstone sustained a torso injury while batting against Namibia in the group stage but has shrugged that problem off to play all of England's matches.

He has yet to truly hit top form, taking two wickets and scoring 13 and 33 in his two innings with the bat in the middle order, but he is confident a big finish is coming.

"As a kid I always wanted to be involved, that's the reason I started bowling a few years back," he said.

"So batting at seven and maybe bowling one over, that's where the hard bit comes as you want to be involved.

"Thankfully the last two games I struck the ball well against South Africa and bowled pretty well [against the USA], so I feel I'm in a good place."

Former England strikers Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have defended their criticism of the Three Lions' "terrible" displays at Euro 2024 after Harry Kane said pundits should be more supportive. 

England have four points ahead of their final Group C fixture against Slovenia, though they were uninspired as they laboured to a 1-0 win over Serbia and a 1-1 draw with Denmark.

Their performance in the latter match was fiercely criticised, with Lineker describing the display as "s***" on his 'The Rest is Football' podcast.

England captain Kane hit back at those comments on Sunday, pointing out ex-players like Lineker failed to win international silverware and telling them to be more "helpful".

On Monday's edition of the podcast, Lineker said of Kane's response: "I thought he answered it fine.

"There was one bit there where he says we have responsibilities as ex-England players, that we should know better and that we never won anything or words to that effect.

"Fine, he's absolutely right. But I will say one thing; the last thing in the world we want to be is downbeat and critical. 

"We want the England team to perform well on the pitch. The best punditry of all is when England play well."

Shearer was also scathing of Gareth Southgate's team after the Denmark game and has refused to back down, saying: "It's important we never get personal. That's the most important thing.

"They were terrible and we have to say that. If England were brilliant we'd say they were brilliant, that's the way it is.

"As a player you always get the right of reply on the pitch. I have no problem with what we said, I wouldn't take anything back we said.

"England were really poor. I think the vast majority of the country, and even the boys in the squad, will know they were awful against Denmark. There were hardly any positives."

Gary Lineker has been at the centre of something of a storm when it comes to England at Euro 2024, and that story was plastered over social media on Monday.

Then, the football took control, with Spain keeping up their winning run and Italy salvaging a draw against Croatia to claim a spot in the last 16.

Here, we unpack the best of the day's social media clips from the tournament in Germany.

Football, eh?

Football... It's crazy! 

With a minute to go, Italy - the holders - were on the brink of a possible exit, with Croatia leading 1-0 in Leipzig.

Yet within 30 seconds, Mattia Zaccagni's maiden Azzurri goal had sent Italy through into the last 16, and it's Croatia who are on the verge of an early departure.

Lineker responds

There was a lot left to be desired following England's performance in their 1-1 draw with Denmark, but it is the post-match criticism that has since drawn the most attention.

In particular, Lineker's comments were brought to the attention of Harry Kane in a recent press conference, with the England captain urging the pundits to support the squad.

With the ball back in Lineker's court, he - along with fellow pundit Alan Shearer - had his say on the ongoing debate.

Ferdinand chips into pundit debate

Rio Ferdinand has done his fair share of punditry, and the former England defender had his say on the Lineker debate.

Ferdinand said the England players shouldn't expect pundits to act as "cheerleaders" when the team aren't performing.

Strike a pose

With qualification for the knockout stages already complete, Portugal do not have to worry about any pressure going into their final match against Georgia.

And while taking some time off during training, Joao Felix decided to try his hand at something a little different.

We may even see some of his photos popping up on Portugal's official X account in the coming days.

A family affair

Among the travelling Spanish fans are a family of nine, who have made a 2000km journey to watch their nation at the tournament.

After finally reaching their destination, they got to meet Ferran Torres, Marc Cucurella and Dani Vivian.

Torres subsequently starred for Spain as La Roja stayed perfect in Group B by beating Albania, with the Barcelona forward scoring the only goal of the game.

French cuisine 

Ever wondered what an international footballer does at lunchtime?

Well, fortunately for you, the French team allowed their social admins into the inner sanctum.

Scholes backs Mainoo for big things

More punditry relating to England, and this time it was Paul Scholes who had his say.

Scholes thinks Kobbie Mainoo, who has had an impressive season with Manchester United, could be the player to pull the strings in midfield for the Three Lions.

Vertonghen sees into the future

Jan Vertonghen is playing in his sixth major tournament for Belgium, and his third Euros.

Sitting down at Belgium's 'The Basecamp', the veteran defender was given a glimpse of what he will look like if he chooses to forgo retirement and keep playing with the help of AI.

While Vertonghen was seemingly happy with the results, Maxim De Cuyper was not so impressed.

The grind never stops

Cristiano Ronaldo will make his 50th appearance at a major tournament the next time he features at Euro 2024.

And even though Portugal are already through, the work on the training field never stops for the 39-year-old...

Gareth Southgate admits he is his own "biggest critic" amid scrutiny of England's performances at Euro 2024 so far.

The Three Lions edged to a 1-0 victory over Serbia in their opener before being held to a 1-1 draw against Denmark.

However, their performances at the tournament so far have drawn a lot of criticism from fans and pundits alike as England have struggled to find their rhythm.

Harry Kane and Jarrod Bowen have already responded to some of those questions, singling out Gary Lineker's comments on the team, but Southgate remains calm amid the outside noise, saying he finds it easier to ignore ahead of their meeting with Slovenia on Tuesday.

"I'm oblivious to it [criticism from pundits]," Southgate said. "It's not important to me. What's important to me is guiding this group of players through the tournament.

"We're a high-profile team with expectations, and I'm very comfortable living that life.

"I don't need to engage in the external, I'm my own biggest critic. The players are the same. There's nothing to be gained.

"We're brutally honest about what we need to do better - that's how you coach a team and how you improve."

"The mood is very good. We know that there will always be external noise, but it shouldn't affect us. What is important is the internal. Performance is what we're focussing on.

"Of course, we want to hit a different level. There has been an honest appraisal of what we've done and how we need to be better. There are some fundamentals of how we play as a team, that we need to get back to."

Southgate has also faced injury problems among defenders in the build up to the tournament, though it looked like some of those worries could be assuaged as Luke Shaw returned to training on Monday.

The manager has ruled him out of their game against Slovenia on Tuesday and says he is particularly happy with what he has seen defensively from his side so far.

"The game before the tournament against Iceland we were a little bit open, so we were trying to find the right balance of being aggressive, but also perfect defensively," he added. "It's an important part of tournaments, you've got to defend well.

"Our penalty box defending has been good, but we haven't used the ball well enough. We want some turnovers higher up the pitch. But the defending of our box has been first-class!"

Scott Barrett has been named as New Zealand's new captain for their upcoming Tests against England and Fiji by new coach Scott Robertson.

He takes over from Sam Cane, who is retiring from international rugby at the end of the year and was not considered for the role due to injury.

Since making his international debut for the All Blacks against Ireland in November 2016, Barrett has earned 69 caps for his country.

Barrett will have reigning Player of the Year Ardie Savea, and brother Jordie as his vice-captains.

Speaking after the announcement was made, Barrett said: "When you think of the leaders who have gone before you, it's quite humbling to be asked to captain the All Blacks, so it's not something I took lightly," said Barrett.

"It's a big responsibility, but I have two great leaders beside me in Ardie and Jordie."

Robertson has named five uncapped players in his first squad, with Wallace Sititi earning his first call-up after an impressive season for Waikato Chiefs.

Scrum-half Cortez Ratima, hooker George Bell, prop Pasilio Tosi and centre Billy Proctor are the other uncapped players named in the 32-man squad.

Robertson, who took over after Ian Foster left the role following last year's World Cup final defeat to South Africa, coached Barrett for seven years at the Crusaders and is looking forward to regaining that connection.

"There are some great leaders in our group, but having that existing connection to Scott was important," said Robertson.

"He's tactically astute, he leads from the front, and he’s got the respect of the players and coaches.

"As a coaching group, we are excited about the squad we've selected. We know it's a group that can play the style of rugby we want the All Blacks to play in 2024."

The All Blacks will face England in Dunedin on July 6, and the following week in Auckland, before playing Fiji in San Diego on July 20.

Full New Zealand squad: Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, George Bell, Ethan De Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett (c), Tupou Vaa’i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ethan Blackadder, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papali'i, Ardie Savea, Wallace Sititi, Finlay Christie, TJ Perenara, Cortez Ratima, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Billy Proctor, Caleb Clarke, Emoni Narawa, Stephen Perofeta, Sevu Reece, Mark Tele'a.

Adil Rashid lauded the match-winning abilities of Chris Jordan and Jos Buttler after England secured their T20 World Cup semi-final spot on Sunday.

England smashed the United States with a 10-wicket victory as Buttler powered an eye-catching 83, smashing six fours and seven sixes from just 38 balls.

Matthew Mott's white-ball side reached their 116-run target with a huge 62 deliveries to spare, sealing their place in the last four with ease after only just sneaking into the Super 8s phase.

Yet the convincing victory would not have been possible without Jordan, who managed four wickets from five balls – including a hat-trick – to end the USA's innings inside 19 overs.

Rashid, who also took 2-13 from his four-over spell, lavished praise on the England bowler, as well as captain Buttler.

"CJ's a match-winner," Rashid said in his post-match interview. "He's been doing it for a number of years, especially at the back end.

"Jos is a world-class player and has been for many a year, and hopefully we can carry it on now in the semi-finals."

Rashid was keen to share the credit among the entire England line-up, too.

"All the bowlers bowled extremely well and to restrict them to 115 was very pleasing," the leg-spinner added. "Always nice to keep it tight and get an early wicket which brings the new batter in.

"With the wind, you have to assess which end you're going to bowl. The googly's been coming out nicely, too."

Buttler seemed intent on a one-man demolition in England's chase, crunching the United States all over the pitch, including hammering 30 runs off Harmeet Singh's ninth over.

"I thought if we could bring our intensity we'd be too good," Buttler said. "I'm still one of the 11, I've got to do my job."

"We've got great options. We wanted to bring Chris Jordan back, adding a bit of depth with his batting capabilities as well. A World Cup hat-trick is a great effort."

The USA saw their World Cup run come to an end, but their victory over Pakistan will live long in the memory.

Aaron Jones, the star of the USA for much of the tournament, hopes to have put cricket on the American map.

"This is our first World Cup," he said. "I don't think people would have thought we'd be playing here against the big boys.

"Hopefully this will open the eyes of the American public. We've got a lot of calls and messages of support during this World Cup."