England played out a 0-0 draw with an extremely defensive Slovakian side, in a night where the Three Lions did all but score in Saint-Etienne.
Roy Hodgson made six changes, and they took on a Slovakian team set-up in a very similar manner to the one that trumped Russia.
England spent most of the first half in enemy territory, and had a few decent chances but couldn’t capitalise, while Slovakia held possession for longer periods without threatening.
In the second half a defensive Slovakian side looked to frustrate England and counter. Despite plenty of huffing and puffing, England couldn’t find a goal, and neither side really looked like scoring. England had 22 attempts and 11 corners to their opponents three and none. Finishing by the men in red was not up to standard.
It finished 0-0, and with Wales’ 3-0 victory over Russia, Chris Coleman’s team topped the group with six points, with England finishing second with five. Slovakia will have to wait and see whether their four points puts them through as one of the highest place third placed teams.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Here’s a comprehensive overview of how every player rated:
England
Joe Hart – 7: Had nothing to do in the first half, and next to nothing to do in the second. Clean sheet.
Nathaniel Clyne – 6.5: A surprise inclusion over Kyle Walker, but brought his usual pace and assurance to the position.
Gary Cahill – 6.5: England’s starting captain for the day looked to be struggling with an injury early on, shook it off to put in another long shift at the back.
Chris Smalling– 6.5: A solid defensive performance by the Manchester United defender. One half-blunder almost cost a goal after his awkward chest back to Hart was scrambled away before the Slovaki striker could get there.
Ryan Bertrand– 6.5: Another surprise starter ahead of Danny Rose, his urgency down the flank was appreciated by the fans.
Jordan Henderson – 6.5: He did well to keep things ticking over for his team and didn’t look like a player who had been out of club football action for so long.
Eric Dier – 7.5: Has really come into his own in this tournament. Did a fantastic job of keeping Hamsik honest. Great defensive shield and some good balls played forward.
Jack Wilshere – 5.5: His lack of match fitness showed in this game, as his touches went astray and he looked slightly off the pace throughout.
Adam Lallana – 7: Intelligent and quick with his feet, he shone once again on the international stage.
Jame Vardy – 6: So pacy and powerful, didn’t look out of place as a starter for England on the big stage. Couldn’t manage another goal this time.
Daniel Sturridge – 6: Rewarded with a start following his match winner over Russia. Went off after failing to find the net.
Substitutes
Wayne Rooney – 5: Replaced Wilshere in the 55th minute and took the armband. Flashes of brilliance, couldn’t turn the match.
Dele Alli – 4: Was rested for the majority of this match, but came on for Lallana in the 60th – the PFA young player of the year couldn’t make a difference this time.
Harry Kane – N/A: A 75th minute substitution for Sturridge – still scoreless in Euro 2016.
READ | How Twitter reacted to Wales' 3-0 demolition job of Russia | https://t.co/KVJ3aXLYBw | #WALRUS #WAL #RUS
— Outside90 (@Outside90) June 20, 2016
Slovakia
Matus Kozacik – 9: Two excellent saves from Vardy and Lallana in the first half, and another few great saves in the second. Assured performance.
Peter Pekarik – 7.5: Part of a Slovakian defence that refused to be broken down.
Martin Skrtel – 9: A captain’s performance against many of his Liverpool teammates. One magnificent clearance off the line, countless blocks.
Jan Durica – 7.5: Another solid contributor to the overall defensive effort.
Tomas Hubocan – 7.5: Some characteristically well-done defending, mixed with an attacking edge that was blunted as his team sat deeper.
Juraj Kucka – 8: Tireless in midfield, he never stopped running throughout. Another cog in the defensive machine.
Viktor Pecovsky – 6: Was replaced after a largely anonymous 65 minutes for his national team.
Marek Hamsik – 6: A muted performance by Slovakia’s talismanic star man. Slovakia lacked a cutting edge as a result.
Robert Mak – 6.5: Another player that failed to provide a threat. Went off due to injury in the 85th minute after all subs had been made.
Ondrej Duda – 5: The Slovakian number eight had a difficult game up top, and couldn’t muster a shot on target despite a high work-rate.
Vladimir Weiss – 6: Had Slovakia’s only shot on target early in the second half, and was his usual industrious self.
WALES 3 RUSSIA 0
Substitutes
Dusan Svento – 5: Came on for Duda and immediately dropped back to help his teammates defend. Slovakia were playing without a striker.
Norbert Gyomber – 4: Replaced Pecovsky in the 65th minute, minimal impact.
Milan Skriniar – N/A: Came on late and didn’t have enough time to make any sort of impression on the game.
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