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England finish second in Group B after goalless draw against Slovakia

Sport360 staff 01:07 21/06/2016
Slovakia held England to a battling draw in Group B.

Wales’ 3-0 win over Russia in Toulouse meant the Three Lions finish second in Group B.

Slovakia must now wait to see if they qualify as one of four best third-place best teams after their goalkeeper Matus Kozacik pulled off a string of saves – some more luck than judgement.

England will now play their last 16 game in Nice next Monday against the side who finishes second in Group F, most likely against Hungary or Portugal.

This was another frustrating night for England fans in Saint-Etienne.

It was at the Stade Geoffroy Guichard where David Beckham was sent off as England lost to Argentina on penalties in the last 16 of the 1998 World Cup.

Prince William, who turns 34 on Tuesday, was in Saint-Etienne, sat next to FA chairman Greg Dyke who has said Hodgson will remain England manager – provided they reach the semi-finals.

Hodgson’s contract expires after Euro 2016.

The England boss boldly made six changes to team, starting strikers Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge, who both scored off the bench in the 2-1 win over Wales.

Hodgson left skipper Wayne Rooney among the replacements with centre-back Gary Cahill taking over the captain’s armband.

Slovakia coach Jan Kozak kept faith with the starting side which beat Russia 2-1 last Wednesday.

Vardy worked hard throughout, but squandered two clear chances of England’s nine first-half attempts on goal to Slovakia’s single effort.

He fired over early on, then had his shot blocked by Kozacik in a one-on-one after winning a sprint against Slovakia captain Martin Skrtel.

And only a fine tackle from right-back Peter Pekarik denied Sturridge at the near post in the opening 10 minutes.

Lallana was then denied by Kozacik’s reflex save with half an hour gone.

England’s frustration continued after the break.

A mix-up between centre-back Chris Smalling and goalkeeper Joe Hart allowed Slovakia winger Robert Mak a half-chance.

At the other end, only the slightest of deflections off Kozacik’s shoulder kept out Nathaniel Clyne’s shot.

There was a big cheer from travelling England supporters — the loudest of the night — when Wayne Rooney came on for Jack Wilshere with 56 minutes gone.

Dele Alli, on for Lallana, then saw his shot cleared by Skrtel after finding himself unmarked when he arrived in the area at pace.

Only England fans could be heard as the second half wore on, nosily urging the Three Lions on in search of the crucial goal which never came.

Rooney was a constant menace after coming on, firing wide as the game entered the final 10 minutes while Harry Kane, on for Sturridge, had a couple of late chances – all to no avail.

360Verdict:

The England manager keeps telling everyone how well they are playing but they have drawn with Russia and Slovakia (both beaten by Wales) and sneaked past the Welsh with a stoppage time goal.

Hodgson made six changes and despite England dominating, he’ll be criticised after they failed to break down a Slovak team sat deep. They replaced attacking players with defenders as the game wore on and England looked progressively less and less like scoring.

The Three Lions will have to improve dramatically – particularly their precision in the final third – if they are to make any impact in France.

Man of the Match: Martin Skrtel (Slovakia)

Slovakia came to defend and their captain led by example. He crucially cleared Alli’s effort off the line, organised the troops and made countless blocks and tackles to frustrate the English.

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