This wasn’t the outcome anyone had hoped for.

What was meant to be a smooth ride into the knockout stages of the Under-21 Euros turned into a hot and frustrating afternoon in Slovakia, where England’s youngsters were held to a 0-0 draw by a resilient Slovenia side.

And yes, for those wondering — blasting Three Lions over the stadium speakers before kickoff might’ve jinxed it.

Fans Travel in Numbers but Leave Disappointed

Supporters from across England — Barnsley, Leeds, Nottingham, Sheffield, London, and York — packed the stands in Nitra with energy and expectation.

They sang, they chanted, and they soaked in the sun, but the football on the pitch didn’t match the atmosphere in the stands.

Instead of celebrating early qualification for the quarter-finals, fans were left biting their nails ahead of a make-or-break final group match against Germany.

A Tactical Gamble That Didn’t Pay Off

Manager Lee Carsley opted once again to play without a traditional No 9 striker — and it showed.

While there were flashes of promise, England struggled with the final ball and, more importantly, with putting the ball in the net.

“It’s unforgiving, this tournament,” Carsley admitted post-match.

“We’re learning, and this is a challenge for the group.”

He brought in Hayden Hackney and 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri for Alex Scott and Omari Hutchinson, but England looked less controlled compared to their opener against the Czech Republic.

Slovenia Nearly Strike First

The opening minutes had English hearts racing. Slovenia’s Svit Seslar attempted an audacious bicycle kick and Tio Cipot forced a goal-line clearance from James Beadle.

England looked rattled early, and Slovenia weren’t afraid to test their luck.

England responded with chances of their own. Captain James McAtee scuffed a golden opportunity wide after a deflection landed kindly for him.

Nwaneri had an even clearer chance but completely misjudged a tap-in from two yards out. Harvey Elliott then volleyed just wide, clipping the post in what might’ve been the pick of the first-half chances.

Playing Football in a Sauna

Let’s talk about the heat. With temperatures hitting 30°C, players were drenched and exhausted.

“It was ridiculous, to be honest,” Elliott said. “I’ve never played in heat like it.

But no excuses — this is what we’ve got to deal with. It’s another obstacle, and we have to adapt.”

Despite the draining conditions, England kept pushing.

Early in the second half, McAtee nearly broke the deadlock but was denied by a lightning-quick save from Slovenian goalkeeper Martin Turk.

A Late Push That Fell Flat

As the game wore on, Nwaneri began finding his rhythm, gliding past defenders, while Hutchinson brought fresh legs and flair from the bench.

But neither could land a telling final blow.

With 15 minutes left, Jay Stansfield — one of the few natural strikers in the squad — was thrown on in a last-ditch attempt to force a win.

But England’s attack became predictable, their movements too similar, and Slovenia’s centre-backs stood firm.

In the end, a lack of a clinical edge cost England dearly.

Slovenia Earn Their Point as England’s Fate Hangs in the Balance

Slovenia fully earned the draw. After their earlier loss to Germany, they came out determined, well-organized, and unshaken by England’s big names.

Now it all comes down to one final game against Germany — a team with momentum.

England, still without a signature performance in this tournament, must dig deep if they want to defend their title.

Match Recap at a Glance

England U21s (4-2-2-2):
Beadle; Gray (Norton-Cuffy 64), Cresswell, Quansah, Livramento; Anderson (Hinshelwood 64), Hackney (Morton 72); Nwaneri (Stansfield 73), Elliott; McAtee, Rowe (Hutchinson 64)

Yellow Cards: Elliott, Morton

Slovenia U21s (4-2-3-1):
Turk; Ilenic, Jevsenak, Golic (Topalovic 86), Kuzmic; Ostrc (Pisek 66), Zeljkovic; Seslar, Begic (Potocnik 76), Brest; Cipot (Kojic 75)

Attendance: 5,217
Referee: Goga Kikacheishvili