That was SO close to an opener for England!

Kieran Trippier shows how lethal he can be with his crosses, cutting inside and whipping a dangerous ball into the penalty area, which narrowly misses both Kane and Gallagher’s foot as the Three Lions pair slide in.

It looked for all the world that would be the first of the night. But it wasn’t to be…

If England fans were nervous before kick-off, their country’s performance so far hasn’t done anything to ease those concerns.

There has been a lot of hands on heads so far in fan zones…

If you hadn’t already noticed, I’ve not had an awful lot positive to say about Bellingham’s performance so far.

Here’s what Ian Ladyman has made of his display so far…

Bellingham just moved to intercept a pass. Failed. Threw his arms up. Looked at team-mates. Then turned and looked at the bench. That kind of night so far for him and indeed for England.

Slovenia launch their best attack for sometime as Karnicnik is unshackled on the right and drives to the byline, firing a cross towards Sporar, who cannot quite direct it on goal.

As England clear, Trippier loses the ball poorly again giving Slovenia another go, and after a sustained period of pressure they fire a ball into the box, which Saka has to clear.

Kane relieves the danger by winning a free-kick. Nervy times for England fans.

England are prodding and probing for the opener, finding most joy down the left with Foden.

The City star gets to the byline again and fizzes the ball in towards Kane, and it goes all the way through to Walker.

Walker’s misplaced pass finds Saka, who wins a foul, and Foden has a great effort from the free-kick, testing Oblak with a shot on target.

In all truth, the Atletico Madrid goalkeeper looked unfazed, but it’s another effort on target for England.

Rice does brilliantly to draw two players and find Kane with his back to goal on the edge of the area, and rather than laying the ball off to Bellingham, he has a shot on the spin and it’s easily blocked.

Slovenia deal well with England’s subsequent corner, but the Three Lions captain is given another bite at the cherry moments later, firing an effort from outside the box right down Oblak’s throat.

He’s getting his eye in…

Foden powers inside from the left flank and threads a ball through to Kane, but the England captain can’t collect the ball and it whizzes off for a goal kick.

Craig Hope has spotted something rather peculiar with England’s shape so far, with Bellingham appearing to take up a deep position on the left.

England have this strange shape shift thing going on where Bellingham almost comes to left back, Trippier runs inside and Foden goes central. Not sure what the point of it is, so far.

England’s press, led by Foden, helps win the ball high up the pitch. But Rice and Bellingham make a meal of it, forcing the Three Lions back.

Mlakar steals the ball off Saka and plays through Sesko, but Stones does well to deal with the danger.

England fans watching the game in Nottingham, Newcastle and Boxpark show their devestation after the goal was ruled out for offisde.

Janza picks up a yellow card for pulling back Saka on the halfway line, and he’ll miss the next game for Slovenia – should there be one.

England finally put a brilliant move together through Foden down the left flank, as Rice finds him brilliantly in the area.

The Man City star fires it across to Saka for a tap in but is immediately adjudged offside.

MUCH better from England!

The former Manchester United defender has been spotted inside the stadium as kick-off gets underway.

Slovenia get half a chance from a throw-in as play it short and launch one long towards Sporar, who only just misses the ball as he attempts to head the ball into the net.

No more than a minute later, Trippier is given a yellow card for a late challenge after trying to stop the Slovenian counter.

Here’s Aadam Patel’s thoughts on the early stages…

Such a shaky start by England, losing the ball carelessly but they’ve calmed things down by keeping possession. Phil Foden is drifting into the middle whenever he can.

Kane, dropping deeper, threads a ball forward to Foden as he runs in behind – and the Man City star fires the ball across to Saka, who slips in an effort to get on to the cross.

Foden is adjudged offside – but it’s a good sign. Someone needs to attack the space behind the defence when Kane drops deeper.

Slovenia know their best chance here is to press England’s back line, with Sesko and Sporar constantly on Stones and Guehi whenever they pick up the ball.

The positive here for England is that if they play through the press, there could be ample opportunity for Foden and Bellingham to flourish. But passes from out the back have to be right.

As Mail Sport’s Craig Hope has observed, the formation looks more of a 4-1-4-1 in Cologne, rather than a 4-2-3-1…

Looks like England are a 4-1-4-1 here, with Rice holding deeper behind Bellingham/Gallagher

Bellingham plays a very wasteful pass straight into the path of Sesko, who looks to spring a counter attack – but England’s midfield recovers to quell the danger.

But Slovenia launch an attack and find the head of Sesko in the middle, who forces the first save out of Pickford. A comfortable one.

The Three Lions wastefully give the ball away again in defence but are able to see out the threat.

A nervy start here…

England kick off and control possession in the early going, passing around the back until Guehi fires a long ball towards Kane, who presses from the front and attempts to charge down the goalkeeper.

Foden makes a positive run towards the byline on the left-hand side and wants a foul, but the referee calls for a Slovenia goal-kick.

We’re off and underway at the Cologne Stadium!

The players head out on to the Cologne stage, and both sets of supporters are in full voice.

Managing the heat will be a cruical factor tonight. Mail Sport’s Ian Ladyman is certainly feeling it…

It’s impossible to overstate how warm it is here in Cologne. It may be closing in on 9pm but it’s hot and it’s humid. Slovenia fans matching England for noise so far..

This is a very traditional European football stadium and it’s doing wonders for the atmosphere. If England can’t be lifted by this then they may as well pack it in and go home

The stage is set in Cologne and we’re moments away from kick-off.

Don’t go anywhere!

So for the last hour I’ve been scribbling down on a notepad trying to work out all the permutations ahead of tonight’s game.

Turns out it’s the same in the press box too! Mail Sport’s Craig Hope has an update ten minutes out from kick-off…

All the talk in the press box here is how imperative an England win is given the teams they would avoid until a potential final. There are a lot of spreadsheets and tournament pathways on screens trying to work it all out…

Conor Gallagher is the man trusted to run England’s midfield alongside Declan Rice tonight, and it’s testament to an excellent season he’s enjoyed with Chelsea.

The 24-year-old emerged a key leader in the Stamford Bridge dressing room and impressed from box to box, scoring seven and assisting nine for Chelsea across all competitions.

But this is no doubt the biggest test of the year so far. How will he fare?

Both sets of fans appear to be in high spirits ahead of kick-off.

While England fans have been pictured packed out into a corner of the stadium, Slovenian supporters have megaphones and drums in hand as they sing songs.

As the Three Lions’ fervent support builds up to kick-off, our man Mike Keegan delivers an update from Cologne…

Vindaloo being belted out by a huge English contingent in Cologne. This looks and feels like another home game for the Three Lions, although the 9,000 Slovenians in the 42,000+ crowd are making some noise of their own.

An entertaining afternoon of action in Group D ended with Austria pipping both the Netherlands and France to top spot, with Ralf Rangnick’s remarkable run showing no signs of slowing down.

Mail Sport’s Riath Al-Samarrai was in Berlin to catch the thriller…

As he gears up to watch on in Cologne, Mail Sport’s Football Editor Ian Ladyman gives his verdict ahead of tonight’s game…

Gareth Southgate has shown the courage of his convictions with this England selection and it’s hard to criticise that. However this eleven must turn up for him tonight.

It’s okay to grow in to a tournament slowly but it feels as though this is the night for the gear change to arrive. My prediction is 2-1 England.

Britain’s ‘Hardest Geezer’ Russ Cook has arrived in Cologne ahead of kick-off tonight.

The 27-year-old is running to every England game at the Euros after leaving Wembley last Tuesday.

He wrote on X: ‘I really tried my best, but I just cannot help absolutely caving in tarmac everywhere I go.’

Kieran Trippier, who plays at left-back again tonight, says England know they need to improve ahead of tonight’s match with Slovenia…

You know, there’s so much that we can improve on. We’ve discussed that in length as a group, and you know, we’ve got an opportunity now to finish top of the group and put in a real performance.

Of course, we know we need to improve individually and as a group. So tonight we’re talked in length that we need to put on a performance. We want to top the group. That’s the most important thing, and hopefully that’s tonight.

Adam Croft, 21, from Wolverhampton, is so convinced of an England victory tonight that he has had the first line of an England chant about Phil Foden tattooed on his chest.

The first line, based on the Bruce Springsteen hit Dancing in the Dark, begins Can’t Start a Fire, and Adam said he would add the remainder after the match: ‘Can’t start a fire without a spark, Phil Foden’s on fire, He’ll play the Germans off the park.’

Heading for Lineker’s Bar in Magaluf with his friend James Sutton, he is predicting a 3-0 victory, while James is playing it safe with a 2-0 win.

with a 2-0 win.

Benjamin Sesko survives his injury scare to start up front for Slovenia, as Jan Oblak continues to captain the side between the sticks.

Slovenia side to face England: Oblak, Karnicnik, Drkusic, Bijol, Janza, Stojanovic, Cerin, Elsnik, Mlakar, Sporar, Sesko

Jude Bellingham’s parents Denise and Mark are in the stands for tonight’s match.

The Real Madrid superstar has been a standout performer so far for his country and he will be hoping to score more goals tonight.

The wives and girlfriends of England’s football stars have taken to the stands ahead of kick-off.

Among those watching include Dani Dyer, Ellie Anderson, the partner of Ollie Watkins and Megan Davison, the wife of England’s Jordan Pickford.

Also in attendnace is Aine May Kennedy, Conor Gallagher’s partner.

Austria have topped Group D with six points, with France being held 1-1 by Poland to finish second in the group.

Netherlands finish in third on four points and could therefore play England in the last 16 if Gareth Southgate’s men top the group.

Although the Dutch are no easy side, winning tonight is crucial for the Three Lions…

France, Spain, Portugal and Germany are all on the same side of the knockout tree, and England will avoid the fericious foursome by winning against Slovenia.

A big win for England could help them avoid those four teams until the final AND evade the Netherlands in the last-16.

If the Three Lions win 3-0, Slovenia would have a worse record than Croatia. Luka Modric and Co would go through in their place and jumble up the third-place spots, pushing the Dutch away from England.

It’s all a bit complicated right now but the headline is – the bigger the win, the better for England!

So, no pressure chaps…

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo’s brother Jordan Hames has arrived in Cologne.

The former Love Island contestant wrote on Instagram how his ‘luggage hasn’t arrived but I have’.

As predicted, Gareth Southgate opts for Conor Gallagher in midfield instead of Trent Alexander-Arnold but otherwise goes unchanged from the 1-1 draw with Denmark.

Jordan Pickford has Kyle Walker, John Stones, Marc Guehi and Kieran Trippier ahead of him in defence, with a double pivot of Declan Rice and Gallagher in support.

Jude Bellingham keeps his No 10 role behind central striker Harry Kane, while Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden are selected on the flanks.

Harry Kane and Co have arrived in Cologne and are ready to do battle with Slovenia in just over an hour’s time.

Line-ups next…

It’s all happening!

Memphis Depay fires the Netherlands ahead against Austria thanks to VAR, after the referee initially disallows the goal.

Moments later in the other game, Robert Lewandowski misses a penalty for Poland but the referee allows him to retake it and score because France goalkeeper Mike Maignan was off his line.

Then, back to the Netherlands game, and Austria take the lead AGAIN through Marcel Sabitzer.

Absolute chaos in Group D – and there are STILL ten minutes to play.

Slovenia hitman Benjamin Sesko has attracted interest from Manchester United and Arsenal over the last few seasons, impressing early in his career at the likes of Red Bull Salzburg and Leipzig.

Although he’s been battling with an injury scare ahead of tonight, he’s expected to start and could be Slovenia’s best chance of hurting England.

A superb performance this evening, and it may prove his ticket to the Premier League.

At the start of the tournament, Three Lions supporters were warned by German police not to sing the song with a clear message: ‘Don’t be a d***!’

However, it appears this warning has not been followed as footage shows rowdy England supporters singing it directly in front of a German supporter.

On a packed out train in Cologne, fans can be seen pressed together with their tops off while they sing the controversial song.

We’re just over an hour and a half from kick-off. And fans sure are making the most of it in Cologne…

Topless and draped in St George’s flags, England’s fans are making the most of the weather and getting a taste for what conditions will be like for Southgate’s side a little later on.

Meanwhile, other fans can be seen sunbathing on the grass as kick-off looms.

So what do we reckon? Will Gareth be calling any of them up for future England squads?

Remember when I said there’d be twists and turns over in Group D?

Well, it didn’t take long. Cody Gakpo has equalised for Ronald Koeman’s side and made it 1-1 in the match against Austria.

Meanwhile, masked Kylian Mbappe has fired France ahead from the penalty spot, converting the spot-kick after a well-won foul by Ousmane Dembele.

So, as it stands, France leapfrog the pack into first spot, Netherlands move to second, and Austria take third. But this isn’t over yet…

If you want all the live updates from Group D, my colleague Harry Bamforth has you covered. Follow below.

Gareth Southgate confirmed on Monday that Luke Shaw would miss this evening’s clash with Slovenia, compounding the left-back issue England have struggled with since arriving in Germany.

Shaw, the only naturally left-footed full-back in Southgate’s 26-man squad, is working hard to make a full recovery from his hamstring injury ahead of the knockout stages – but there’s every chance he continues to a sit on the sidelines throughout the tournament.

As deputy Kieran Trippier is right-footed, he’s not able to offer England the same width in attack on the left-flank and opts to cut inside with inverted runs when he gets forward.

Meanwhile, Phil Foden is on the left wing for the Three Lions but drifting inside to where he feels more comfortable. With England’s threat on the left-hand side minimal, their attack passages of play are predictable and easy to defend as a result.

Placing Anthony Gordon, a natural winger who will happily stay wide and stretch the pitch, could be one solution to the problem, as Trippier could continue to invert while Gordon offers pace on the left flank.

But this would likely mean sacrificing Foden, Bellingham or Saka – or added solidity in the midfield alongside Rice.

So, there’s plenty for Southgate to ponder while Shaw is out. How would you solve the problem?

The Poles have defended well to far to frustrate France in Dortmund so far and head into the break with a deserved 0-0 draw as things stand.

Meanwhile, Ralf Rangnick’s Austria are still currently top of the Group D, leading thanks to Malen’s bizarre own goal for the Dutch.

Expect plenty of twists and turns in the second half…

A huge talking point of this week for England has been how fans and pundits have responded to the disappointing performances so far in Germany. Generally speaking, it’s been immensely critical.

BBC anchor Gary Lineker labelled England’s performance against Denmark ‘s***’ before later accusing journalists of using his comments to whip up a storm.

Having been part of an England side under significant scrutiny during his playing career, ex-Three Lions and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has shared his thoughts on the criticism.

Read Mail Sport’s full story below:

The Netherlands have slipped to third in Group D after falling behind against Austria, with Donyell Malen scoring a disastrous own goal.

It means, as it stands, England could face the Netherlands if they top the group, with Austria currently top of Group D and France second as it stands, with the score still at 0-0 in their clash with Poland.

Surprisingly, two thirds of all own goals in Euros history have come in the last two tournaments, according to OPTA.

Two England fans could be seen munching away on a pretzel inside the stadium at Cologne.

With kick-off less than three hours away, fans will start to pour into stadiums to watch their nations.

Sam Allardyce doesn’t believe Conor Gallagher is the answer to England’s midfield problem – claiming the Chelsea man is still ‘a young guy and learning’.

He must, then, think the same about teenagers Adam Wharton and Kobbie Mainoo, and it’s safe to say the Trent Alexander-Arnold experiment didn’t exactly work in midfield.

There’s no doubt Gallagher brings a lot to this England team. He’s industrious, a willing runner and still very capable on the ball. But whether he has the tools the run the midfield against the very best remains to be seen.

Impress tonight, and Gallagher could keep his spot for the remainder of the tournament. Fail, and they’ll be instant calls to replace him.

A big night for the 24-year-old…

Aadam Patel, Mail Sport, in Cologne:

Hottest day of the Euros so far and England fans in great spirits in Cologne #Euro2024

The heat is on. And in more ways than one!

The summer is well and truly here with glorious sunshine across England this week, and it’s not different in Germany ahead of the Three Lions’ clash with Slovenia tonight.

Blue skies, high humidity and temperatures reaching upwards of 28oC, England will be forced to get a sweat on in the Cologne heat tonight.

If England focus on one aspect of their performance tonight, it should be chance creation.

The Three Lions are the third lowest in the tournament so far in that area, ahead of just Scotland and Austria, which does not bode well for England’s hope of lifting the trophy.

Is it a case of too many cooks? Foden, Bellingham, Saka and Kane are all explemary assist threats in their own right, so how does Southgate find a solution?

Perhaps the omission of Alexander-Arnold’s creativity for Gallagher’s industry will free up space and opportunity for the likes of Foden and Bellingham to operate. But something has to change. Fast.

With kick-off soon approaching, England fans in Cologne are certainly not slowing down the party.

Empty beer bottles can be seen aplenty on the cobbled streets of the German city.

At this rate, these England fans are never going to make kick-off!

It’s no secret now that Gareth Southgate opts for a structured and pragmatic style in major tournaments, and often this requires strength and stamina in the middle of the park.

But Paul Scholes, who was perhaps one of England’s best technical midfielders of all-time, has appeared to question why Southgate chose the industry of Conor Gallagher over the ‘brains’ of Kobbie Mainoo, with the Chelsea star set to start in place of Trent Alexander-Arnold tonight.

England’s midfield will continue to divide opinion until Southgate finds the right formula… but who do you think should be starting against Slovenia?

A private jet has been pictured boarding and leaving Manchester Airport for Cologne.

It has not yet been confirmed who is on the flight, but they face a race against time to make it to Germany ahead of tonight’s kick-off at 8pm.

Kylian Mbappe is BACK for France and will start today’s match against Poland.

Words cannot describe how important Real Madrid’s glittering new superstar is to the Les Bleus army and his return gives them a huge boost ahead of the knockout stages.

Today will mark the first time Mbappe has played since breaking nose broken against Austria, so he’ll be donning a protect face mask for the remainder of the tournament.

Several French fans have turned up sporting a variety of bizarre masked outfits in support of their superstar.

I wonder what Mbappe thinks of the costumes…

If they put in the same performance as they did against Denmark, few would fancy England to progress past the likes of Spain or Germany.

So topping the group must be the aim tonight – and that’s exactly what Jamie Carragher has urged on Sky Sports today.

‘I find it quite difficult to make a case for England beating either of those teams,’ he’s said.

A win tonight would not only secure top spot – it would inspire hope that England CAN go on to beat the best sides so far in Germany.

It looks as though it has all been a bit too much for this England fan who was spotted taking a nap at a Cologne pub.

Thousands of fans have been pictured today sipping pints in 30C sunshine.

Let’s hope he wakes up before kick-off!

It’s not just England who are set to learn their fate tonight, but the action also concludes in Group D.

Those games kick off at 5PM with France facing already-eliminated Poland, while the Netherlands take on Austria.

The top three teams can all still win the group and given England could play the third placed team in the last-16 stage, fans will be keeping a keen eye on the goings-on.

And you can keep up to date with the latest action from Group D thanks to Mail Sport…

With four of the best third-placed teams out of the six groups set to reach the last-16 stage, the permutations heading into the final round of games at Euro 2024 throw up all sorts of questions.

If England win Group C tonight, they are expected to play one of the best third-placed teams from either Group D, Group E or Group F, depending on which groups secure an extra qualification place.

The nations currently occupying those spots are Austria, Slovakia and Czechia respectively.

We’ve done our best to explain all the permuations below and how to work out who England are expected to play…

Euros fever has swept across the country while people lap up the beautiful weather.

Below, these Southampton students can be seen cheering England on at Bournemouth beach.

Huge crowds of people were seen flocking to the seaside ahead of tonight’s game.

Let’s hope for more scenes like this tonight…

We’re expecting just the one change tonight, with Conor Gallagher replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield.

But Gary Neville, one-time manager of Valencia and an England coach between 2012 and 2016 during Roy Hodgson’s tenure, has had his say.

Take a look at his team for tonight below…

Mail Sport experts SAMI MOKBEL and CRAIG HOPE discuss some of the biggest talking points ahead of tonight’s game with Slovenia.

A reminder that a victory will secure top spot in Group C for England.

Kick off is just over four hours away…

Conor Gallagher is the man that has been charged with breathing new life into England’s underwhelming Euro 2024 campaign.

Gareth Southgate’s midfield experiment with Trent Alexander-Arnold failed to deliver so Gallagher, who came off the bench to replace the Liverpool star in the opening two games, will now start ahead of him in their final Group C clash against Slovenia.

For some England fans, the inclusion of Gallagher – just like the Three Lions’ start to Euro 2024 – is perceived as an underwhelming one. The Chelsea player is more defensively minded than Alexander-Arnold – one of the most creative players this country has to offer.

However, whatever shortcomings Gallagher may have in the minds of some, the attributes he provides could give England’s campaign the shot in the arm it badly needs.

Read all about the man Southgate hopes will transform his side below…

England fans have been pictured mucking around in 30C heat in Cologne today ahead of tonight’s clash.

Topless supporters were seen kicking footballs in Cologne’s old cobbled Alter Markt square.

Supporters also sipped pints and chatted to one another ahead of kick-off.

The criticism heading England’s way has divided fans, with some claiming Lineker overstepped the mark, while others have argued Gareth Southgate’s side deserve to be shot at after two unsatisfactory displays.

Mail Sport’s IAN HERBERT took Lineker’s side, claiming the former striker and BBC host was spot on with his criticism.

He also urged Harry Kane and England’s stars to not take the criticism so personally.

Read his full thoughts below…

It’s a good sign for the competitiveness of Euro 2024 that all four teams in England’s group can still progress to the knockout stages heading into the final game.

But there’s no doubt the Three Lions are in pole position to ensure they go through in first place, although they’ll have a close eye on Denmark vs Serbia nonetheless.

Both games kick off at 8PM tonight and it promises to be an evening full of drama.

Let’s hope not! But to the superstitious among us, tonight’s game against Slovenia is on ITV Sport.

England’s dismal record on the channel has led to the creation of the ‘ITV curse’, with the Three Lions having won just seven of their last 30 major tournament games on the channel dating back to 1998.

ITV were also the broadcaster when England were dumped out of the 2022 Qatar World Cup by France in the quarter-finals.

Surely, not again…

It wasn’t a very good display from England against Denmark on Thursday, although they did at least manage to keep control of Group C by securing a draw.

Harry Kane put the Three Lions ahead after good work from Kyle Walker, but the Bayern Munich star otherwise struggled and was replaced midway through the second half.

Morten Hjulmand equalised for the Danes soon after Kane’s opener with a fine effort and England had Jordan Pickford to thank that it wasn’t worse.

Recap on the highlights from that clash below (if you can bear it)…

As ever with England at tournaments, the scrutiny on the team has been immense, something which has only been enhanced by two underwhelming displays.

A big feature of the past few days has been players hitting back at pundits, particularly Gary Lineker, who described the Three Lions’ display against Denmark as ‘s***’.

England skipper Harry Kane took umbrage at this and came out firing on Sunday when speaking to the press.

Read what he had to say below…

It’s not been the smoothest of rides so far in Germany for Gareth Southgate’s side.

England have most certainly underwhelmed in their first two Euro 2024 games, with the Three Lions narrowly beating Serbia 1-0 before they drew 1-1 with Denmark.

But, it’s still all in their hands, and a win tonight would guarantee England top spot in Group C and a so-called ‘easier draw’ in the last-16 stage.

And welcome to Mail Sport’s live coverage of England’s crunch final group clash against Slovenia at Euro 2024.

Stay with us for all the build-up, team news and updates from throughout the match in Cologne.