England held to draw by Slovenia in tense U21 Euro clash | OneFootball

England were held to a goalless draw by Slovenia in their second group fixture in the European U21 Championship on Sunday.

Defender Jarell Quansah conceded an early free kick, which was deflected wide.

Slovenia were close to taking a deserved lead in the ninth minute when Svit Seslar’s bicycle kick drifted over the crossbar.

Harvey Elliott then received a yellow card, and goalkeeper James Beadle had to make a brilliant save to thwart Seslar’s effort from the far post.

England’s first big chance of the game came in the 21st minute after a poor clearance from Slovenia. It fell to James McAtee, but he shot wide.

Jonathan Rowe’s brilliant effort to set up the Young Lions’ first goal was not converted by Ethan Nwaneri before Beadle produced another save to deny Seslar in the 31st minute.

Elliott nearly grabbed the game’s first goal, only to be thwarted by the woodwork.

England started the second half strongly and should have taken the lead, but goalkeeper Martin Turk saved McAtee’s close-range strike.

With the Young Lions looking for the opener, head coach Lee Carsley made some changes in the 65th minute.

Omari Hutchinson replaced Rowe, while Jack Hinshelwood and Brooke Norton-Cuffy came on for Archie Gray and Elliot Anderson.

Hutchinson’s penalty claim was ignored in the 74th minute as the defending champions continued to pile the pressure on Slovenia.

Elliot missed a great chance to score the winning goal for England, while Hinshelwood was also denied by the Slovenian goalie deep into stoppage time.

England face Germany in their last group game on Wednesday. A draw will be enough to secure a place in the quarter-final.