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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Stones praises England's performance</li><li>Happy to top the group and qualify</li><li>Three Lions were held to a goalless draw by Slovenia</li></ul>

John Stones hails England Euro 2024 draw with Slovenia a 'step in the right direction' as Man City defender addresses fans' frustration

England have <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/fa-urged-sack-gareth-southgate-before-england-last-16-euro-2024-former-premier-league-boss-tipped-replace-him/bltaf503f660b7780b5" target="_blank">come under fire</a> for their underwhelming displays throughout the Euro 2024 group stage despite qualifying for the knockout rounds as group winners. Fans and pundits alike have slammed Gareth Southgate's tactics and a section of the supporters <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/video-furious-england-fans-throw-empty-cups-gareth-southgate-following-euro-2024-draw-slovenia/blt33163ceaa2df488a" target="_blank">reacted in a hostile manner</a> towards the manager on Tuesday after the team's <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/boring-england-stinking-out-euro-2024-winners-losers-gareth-southgate-three-lions-cole-palmer/blt0f70a4569e5fc0ff" target="_blank">drab stalemate against Slovenia</a>.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Manchester City and Three Lions defender John Stones, however, was satisfied with the team's performance and he insisted that the side have already achieved one key goal: Winning the group.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Speaking to reporters after the Slovenia clash, the English defender said, "The objective was to top the group and we have done that - it is not always going to be an easy road. It is not going to be easy when we have a target on our back to beat us. "I thought there was a lot of improvement from the other two games, we found people in the pockets and created more chances - another step in the right direction. "I can get the fans frustration not taking chances, but that is football - it is never an easy game."

WHAT JOHN STONES SAID

Southgate's side could face Ronald Koeman's Netherlands - after they finished third in their group - in the round of 16 stage of Euro 2024 on Sunday at Gelsenkirchen.

WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

John Stones hails England Euro 2024 draw with Slovenia a 'step in the right direction' as Man City defender addresses fans' frustration | Goal.com

John Stones spoke highly of England&apos;s performance against Slovenia as they qualify for Euro 2024 knockout stage as group toppers.