The Young Lions created plenty of chances in the game, racking up an xG of 2.40, according to Opta, compared to Slovenia's 0.56, however, their pattern of play felt predictable and lacking in creativity as the game went on.
The goalless draw leaves them looking over their shoulder heading into the final matchday on Wednesday, as they await the result of Germany's match against the Czech Republic later on Sunday.
If England’s first game against the Czechs was fed from the atmosphere inside a packed DAC Arena, the second also matched the intensity in the ground. Nitra Stadium felt flat, as did England’s performance for much of the first half.
Slovenia, tidy in possession, used their main weapon, Svit Seslar, for much of their good work. Named in the UEFA Conference League team of the season, and with 20 goal contributions in 26 league games for Celje, he showed his talent, testing James Beadle from range, whilst also producing an overhead kick that went close, albeit the offside flag was quickly raised following the effort.
England, to a man, are a better team, but they had a disjointed feel for much of the first half. Frustrations were shown early as Harvey Elliott was booked in the seventh minute for dissent after feeling aggrieved that a foul on him was not given.
The Liverpool forward was England’s best player. Floating around a front four that looked like they had never started together before - that’s because they hadn’t in a U21 international - and he provided two threats on the Slovenia goal in the first half, hitting the post with a cushioned volley in the 36th minute.
Given the nature of U21 football, this is no surprise. Lee Carsley has only worked with this group a handful of times this year, so striking the balance in such a fluid system is always challenging.
Stansfield gives Carsley pause for thought
Liam Delap’s absence, having joined up with new side Chelsea for the Club World Cup, was being felt more and more, and this was magnified further by the fact that Slovenia had conceded three in their first game, all scored by Germany’s number nine Nick Woltemade.
Chances came and went for England as the second half progressed - their front four unable to find that clinical finish needed to win the game. Jay Stansfield, perhaps England’s only definitive striker in the squad, came on with 18 minutes to go and immediately settled in, trying to stretch the Slovenia defence, something England had failed to do for much of the game.
He fed off scraps as Slovenia sat back in a low block, playing for a draw, something they achieved, much to the delight of their coach, Andrej Razdrh, who said to reporters after the game that his side played very well tactically and described the point as a "super feat".
For England, they will need to find a solution to their goal problem against Germany, who will surely prove to be tougher opposition. Lee Carsley will want a reaction from his side for what could be a nervy evening, and perhaps a change in both luck and style.