England face Slovenia test after Denmark draw criticism
Gareth Southgate and Declan Rice respond to criticism after Denmark match
England face Slovenia in Cologne on Tuesday knowing their place in the Nations League finals is still up for grabs.
The Three Lions were held to a goalless draw by Denmark on Saturday, a result that leaves them needing to beat Slovenia and hope Croatia lose to Spain in order to reach the semi-finals. Gareth Southgate's side were criticised for their lack of creativity and attacking threat against Denmark, and the manager admitted after the game that he was "disappointed" with the performance. Declan Rice, who was one of the few England players to emerge with credit from the match, said that the team were "frustrated" by the result and that they were determined to put things right against Slovenia.
"We know we didn't play well enough against Denmark," said Rice. "We were too slow and predictable in possession, and we didn't create enough chances. "But we're a good team and we're confident that we can get a result against Slovenia. We need to be more creative and take more risks in the final third, but I'm sure we can do it." Southgate is likely to make changes to his team for the Slovenia match, with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Callum Hudson-Odoi all pushing for a start. Slovenia are unbeaten in their last eight games in all competitions, and they will be no pushovers for England. However, the Three Lions will be confident of getting the win they need to reach the Nations League finals.
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