England boss Gareth Southgate makes Cole Palmer feelings clear after lacklustre Slovenia draw

England boss Gareth Southgate was full of praise for Cole Palmer after his side's goalless draw with Slovenia on Tuesday.

The Three Lions struggled to break down their opponents and, after an early goal from Bukayo Saka was disallowed, were forced to settle for a point.

England have finished top of their group, meaning they'll be playing in the round of 16 on Sunday.

They were poor throughout the match, however, with Southgate turning to Palmer as he chased a winner.

England boss Gareth Southgate was full of praise for Cole Palmer after his side's goalless draw with Slovenia on Tuesday

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The Chelsea star impressed in his brief cameo, seeing a shot saved late on.

He linked up well with fellow subs Anthony Gordon and Kobbie Mainoo, with both players also introduced as England sought a late goal.

And Southgate, speaking to ITV, praised the Chelsea star for his display.

"He did very good. He finds space well and he makes chances and we were backing him to score at the end," he said.

"They are young players and we are blooding them in a difficult environment.

"They had a good impact for us and did good things for us.

"Anthony Gordon, Cole Palmer, Kobbie Mainoo, it was a really good move.

"We have to build on that. There were a lot of things to build on from tonight."

When asked for his thoughts on how England performed, he added: "I thought we were much improved with the ball.

"We have created some good openings and at the moment it is hard work for us.

"We tried to win the game by the changes we made. We put attacking players on the pitch."

He continued: "Tonight we went with Conor (Gallagher) who presses well and we did that better.

"Then we felt Kobbie Mainoo's control of the ball would help us. I don't think we were going to go from where we were to winning three or four nil."

England, as mentioned above, are through to the round of 16.

They've also ensured they're on the opposite side of the draw to heavyweights such as Germany and Spain.

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England star Cole Palmer impressed off the bench during his side's 0-0 draw with Slovenia at Euro 2024

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But Southgate isn't paying too much attention to that and believes England must get better if they're to win the European Championships this summer.

"We have got to play well and whoever we play is going to be a really tough game," he said.

"We shouldn't be seduced by which half of the draw.

England have topped their Euro 2024 group after their goalless draw with Slovenia in Germany

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"So many things are starting to come together. We had a lot of issues before the tournament.

"I think the way the defence has played has been a huge positive and something to build on.

"We created chances but we just have to convert those chances."

The 53-year-old was pleased with the way his side performed at the Cologne Stadium