Crystal Palace Euro 2024 round-up: Defender starts again but midfielder duo wait for minutes as England make round of 16

Marc Guehi played his part as England reached the last-16 of the European Championships with a 0-0 draw against Slovenia ensuring they finish top of Group C, writes Edmund Brack.

The Three Lions had already secured their spot in the round of 16 before the goalless draw in Cologne on Tuesday but they were booed off and beer cups were thrown at boss  Gareth Southgate following the full-time whistle.

“I understand the narrative towards me, that’s better for the team than it being towards them, but it’s creating an unusual environment to operate in,” said former Crystal Palace captain Southgate.

“I’ve not seen any other team qualify and receive similar.

“Slovenia defended well. We weren’t able to find the right pass. We’re improving (as a side).

“I didn’t think that with how everything that happened after the last game (against Denmark) that we would suddenly be free and liberated and stick four or five goals in – football doesn’t work that way.

“But I saw progress. The goals will come. 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.”

England’s opponent in the next round will be Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday at 5pm.

Lewisham-raised Guehi played the full 90 minutes alongside John Stones as England kept their second clean sheet in three games.

The Palace defender picked up a yellow card late on but delivered another assured display on the international stage.

Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton were both left on the bench, with Southgate throwing on Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon and Trent Alexander-Arnold in search of three points.

Wharton is the only recognised midfielder yet to register any playing time in Germany, despite Southgate struggling to find his perfect central partner for Declan Rice.

Alexander-Arnold – a right-back by trade – started next to Rice in the first two games, with Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher withdrawn at half-time against Slovenia.

Eze’s only minutes have come as a late substitute in the draw with Denmark.

Manchester City’s Stones has praised Guehi for the way he has performed in his first major international tournament.

“He’s handled the occasion so well and I really enjoy playing with him,” said Stones.