Twitter reacts as a lethargic England draw in Slovenia
11 October 2016 - FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifying (Group F) - Slovenia v England - The England starting lineup featuring Jordan Henderson as Captain - Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.
Gareth Southgate’s England produced a lacklustre performance in drawing 0-0 with Slovenia on Tuesday, and have goalkeeper Joe Hart to thank for preserving them a point.
The 29-year-old produced a number of excellent one-on-one saves to keep the hosts at bay after sloppy play from captain Jordan Henderson and midfielder Eric Dier, the latter recalled to the team at the expense of Wayne Rooney.
However, there was one save in particular that had many fans and pundits alike stunned, as the Torino shot-stopper expertly denied Jasmin Kurtic minutes into the second-half by tipping his goal-bound header onto the crossbar.
Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.
The Three Lions lacked energy and composure in what was a drab display in Ljubljana, but the point does mean that Southgate’s side remain unbeaten in qualification, and indeed top of Group F, going into their match against Scotland next month.
Unsurprisingly, England’s abject display drew quite the reaction on Twitter, with many fans very frustrated after watching another disappointing England performance…
That England performance was worse than the Iceland one
— allyround (@allyboy97) October 11, 2016
England’s performance (or lack of) last night typifies why I despise international football so much these days! Absolutely woeful! #England
— Matt ?? (@matt_mpl79) October 12, 2016
England, it wasn’t the pitch nor playing away from home – these just excuses for a poor performance. Only Hart played outstandingly well.
— Simon Wadsworth (@sc_wadsy) October 11, 2016
Some used last night’s display to criticise interim boss Southgate…
Who would have thought a team managed by a dour boring man would play dour boring football. #shocked #englandslovenia
— Simon Robert Eaton (@simmo_1977) October 12, 2016
@England @GarethSouthgate Can’t even pick the proper team. Worst performance from England team for months. Townsend & Rashford from start!!!
— Timbertony (@ttimbertony) October 11, 2016
… yet one stopped short of blaming the manager.
When will people learn the manager makes no difference to the @England performance. The team is the same. Results the same #SLOENG
— Be Happy (@micky92764) October 12, 2016
Nevertheless, many were thankful and indeed delighted for Hart, who has faced a tricky few months in his career but proved last night that he remains an excellent goalkeeper…
Luckily for #England #Hart was on fire. What a performance!!!
— Ruben Pinto (@rubenfppinto) October 12, 2016
Despite England’s awful performance, Delighted for Joe Hart and proving that he is a good goalkeeper, went on a bad run
— Liam (@KingWanyama) October 11, 2016
A somewhat mediocre performance from England. Joe Hart had a blinder in all fairness. Still a vital point though. #SLOENG
— Ben B (@BenB1994) October 11, 2016
I don’t understand how England play bad, apart from Henderson there team is actually not half bad, amazing performance from Joe hart though
— George Harper (@GeorgeHarper2) October 11, 2016