England Men's Football Team

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter in Germany

"Frustrating" was the word used by England forward Anthony Gordon after his 88th-minute introduction to Euro 2024 in England's 0-0 draw with Slovenia.

The Newcastle forward is one of several attacking options to be used sparingly by manager Gareth Southgate in England's successful but stumbling group stage.

Before Tuesday's game, Southgate spoke about there being a reset within the camp following performances that hadn't lived up to the expectations against Serbia and Denmark.

He also said he was "oblivious" to criticism from high-profile ex-England players, including pundits working on the BBC.

Yet by full-time, a section of England fans at the Cologne stadium expressed their own frustration at another below-par game, jeering Southgate and launching a handful of plastic cups in his direction.

Southgate then said in various post-match interviews that the reaction of media and fans was "creating an unusual environment" which is "causing an issue for the group".

The team around one England player told BBC Sport after the first two games there was a belief among some members of the squad that the fringe players who hadn't played could have made a difference to performances and the difficulties the team were having.

Both captain Harry Kane and Southgate admitted there was confusion around England's deficiencies.

The feeling was that players such as Gordon, renowned for his work rate and ability to run in behind, could have helped with pressing.

And players such as Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo, both so calm in possession in tight areas, could have helped with the England team getting control in matches.

Against Slovenia, Southgate used all three of Palmer, Mainoo and Gordon to try to change the momentum of the game.

Gordon said after the match that the team "can do so much better".

"I won't lie to you, it's frustrating because I want to play, I think every player here does. It's difficult because we have so many good players."

"Watching from the sideline at any game at any level is hard. You just want to come on the pitch because you feel you can make an impact, I felt like I did when I came on.

"Training is so good every day and it's just not clicking. Hopefully in the coming games it will because we need to start attacking teams and dominating games."