On paper, the Three Lions have topped their Euros group with only one goal conceded, but the reality is that they are quickly losing the love of the fans.
After dull displays against Serbia and Denmark, England fans were hoping to see a rejuvenated side against Slovenia but Gareth Southgate stuck to his guns and another uninspiring performance followed.
There has been a war of words taking place between the England camp with pundits criticising the side while players fired back and called for more positivity.
Central to that war is Declan Rice, who told ITV Sport that the media should tell players they are “the best in the world”
Roy Keane bites back after Declan Rice plea
Ahead of England’s clash with Slovenia, Keane gave his opinion on Rice’s call for more positivity.
Speaking on ITV Sport, Keane said: “I definitely think the modern player seems to be a bit more delicate to criticism.
“I judge players by actions. We know how quickly football changes and if England put on a good performance or win tonight.
“Declan Rice is talking about, ‘show some love’. Listen, come on, it’s serious stuff. This is football stuff. People have made huge sacrifices to travel. You get the love back when you perform.”
After Keane urged Rice and his England teammates to do their talking on the pitch, the Three Lions followed it up with another poor performance.
The Arsenal midfielder put in an improved performance but was still sloppy at times – a frustrating but recurring theme among the squad.
England are now through to the knockout stages of the tournament and are in the easier side of the bracket, but improvement is needed on the pitch or the criticism will simply keep coming.
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