SLOVENIA midfielder Timi Max Elsnik admitted Gareth Southgate’s decision not to put Cole Palmer on until the 71st minute “helped” his side hold on for a draw.
England produced another unimpressive performance on Tuesday night as they were held to a goalless draw in Cologne.
The only change to Southgate’s starting line-up from the draw with Denmark was to bring Conor Gallagher in for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
He then waited until just 19 minutes were left before Palmer came on for Bukayo Saka.
Alexander-Arnold and Anthony Gordon were then thrown on for a handful of minutes at the end.
And ex-Derby man Elsnik, 26, has revealed his side were pleased the introductions of Palmer and Gordon did not come sooner.
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Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “Palmer, definitely he caused us some problems.
“He is a very specific player and for us luckily it didn’t happen earlier because also our left-back was on a booking from early on and going one v one with him every time he has to be careful.
“Luckily Palmer came on – I don’t know how long was left – but in my opinion it was good it was not earlier because it definitely helped us.
“Our level of energy dropped, it’s hard to be that level of energy for 90+ minutes so when they bring in fresh players with this quality it’s really hard to control them.
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“And they have a point to prove, they’ve been waiting for two games now to get the chance and we all know what he’s capable of, him and Gordon.
“I think [they] did well and I think they can help this English team a lot to be honest.”
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The draw booked Slovenia’s place in the last-16 as one of the four best third-place sides.
They were pipped to second in Group C by Denmark by virtue of their disciplinary record, with England top despite struggling in all three games.
Elsnik also detailed a classy post-match gesture from England man Jude Bellingham after the Real Madrid superstar had promised at half-time to give the Slovenian his shirt at the end of the game.
England player ratings: Southgate’s Gallagher experiment fails miserably vs Slovenia
ENGLAND served up another underwhelming performance – but still managed to top Group C.
England dominated the ball, but Southgate will have plenty of questions to answer after a third straight display that lacked inspiration.
SunSport’s Tom Barclay has given his ratings of the England players.
Jordan Pickford – 6
Largely a spectator due to England’s dominance on the ball. Asked the touchline what the Denmark score was during one break in the second half.
Kieran Trippier – 6
The one positive of having a right-footed player playing left-back is that he can dispatch in-swinging crosses, and one such one should have been headed home by Conor Gallagher before the break.
Marc Guehi – 7
Cruyff turn early doors showed his confidence from excellent displays against Serbia and Denmark, and barring one loose pass was good again.
John Stones – 6
One of many to miss his target with his passing. He wasn’t bad but, like others, way off what he has produced for his club.
Kyle Walker – 5
Played so safe, rarely looked to get forward. Was lucky at one point that Pickford was alive to his blast of a pass-back. Sliced cross after break summed up his off-night.
Conor Gallagher – 4
Got the nod after the Trent Alexander-Arnold midfield experiment ended, but was poor, particularly, in possession and replaced at half-time by Kobbie Mainoo.
Declan Rice – 7
Had promised an “in your face” performance from his team, but he was really the only one to produce it. Very good out of possession, much better than against Denmark.
Phil Foden – 7
Liveliest of England’s attacking four by a mile and went close with a stinging free-kick. Booked for dissent, summing up England’s frustration.
Jude Bellingham – 5
Cut a very frustrated figure as he and Harry Kane got in each other’s way at times, while he was often shunted wide left as Phil Foden moved into the middle.
Bukayo Saka – 6
Tapped home on 20 minutes, but it was ruled out for offside in the build-up. OK but once again subbed after the break, perhaps due to fitness concerns.
Harry Kane – 6
Insists he is 100 per cent fit and maybe he is. What is 100 per cent certain is that he has been nowhere near as effective in this tournament as he usually is for England, albeit he was marginally better here.
Substitutes
Kobbie Mainoo (for Gallagher at half-time) – 7
Made a difference when coming on, making England much more positive in their play. So much more confident with his touch than Gallagher.
Cole Palmer (for Bukayo Saka on 71) – 7
Finally made an appearance at this tournament and one clever ball through for Mainoo showed what he can do.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Kieran Trippier on 84) – 6
Came on for the final few minutes at right-back, with Walker going to left-back.
Anthony Gordon (for Phil Foden on 88) – 6
Like Palmer, first minutes at the Euros, but too late to make an impact.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
