The Group F runners-up will advance to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 following a shock victory over the Three Lions.
Iceland have claimed a major scalp in Roy Hodgson’s England, coming from behind to defeat the side 2-1 at the Allianz Riviera in Nice on Monday, with the 68-year-old resigning from his post shortly after the final whistle.
Skipper Wayne Rooney got his nation off to the perfect start, converting a spot kick after Raheem Sterling was brought down by Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldórsson within three minutes of the match’s start.
That lead was short lived, however, as a trademark long throw from captain Aron Gunnarsson resulted in Ragnar Sigurdsson sliding in to equalise at the back post. And just 12 minutes later the Nordic nation took a shock lead, with Nantes striker Kolbeinn Sigthórsson placing what became the eventual winner past Joe Hart’s grasp.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
England will now be looking for a new manager following an extremely disappointing Euro 2016 campaign, whilst Iceland’s dream run at the tournament continues against the hosts, France, on Sunday.
England
Joe Hart – 3: Did not have a lot to do for much of the game, however was at fault for Iceland’s second goal as he failed to get enough behind Sigthórsson’s weak shot.
Kyle Walker – 4: Did not provide too many of his trademark overlapping runs on the right and was at fault for Sigurdsson’s goal, failing to track his run.
Gary Cahill – 5: Did not have too much defending to do, though when called upon was sometimes a little slow to shut down.
Chris Smalling – 5: Like his central defensive counterpart, the 26-year-old was not hassled too much throughout the contest.
Danny Rose – 5.5: Showed decent energy down the left, however did not provide much else.
Dele Alli – 5: Failed to provide spark and creativity in the middle of midfield. Saw a wonderfully drilled shot sail just over the bar in the first half.
Eric Dier – 6: The Tottenham man was his usual robust self before being sacrificed at half time.
Wayne Rooney – 5.5: Spread the play and dictated the tempo from the middle of midfield. Despite his consistent distribution, however, he rarely created any attacks.
Daniel Sturridge – 5: Tried to do a little too much on the odd occasion. Provided rare moments of spark for the Three Lions, though.
Harry Kane – 4.5: Failed to make the most of his recall into England’s starting lineup, receiving little service and not doing a lot when in possession.
Raheem Sterling – 5: The Manchester City man saw plenty of the ball in the first half, displaying good pace and winning his side a penalty.
Substitutes
Jack Wilshere – 5: Showed attacking impetus when brought onto the pitch in place for Eric Dier. Made a few clever passes forward.
Jamie Vardy – 5: Showed pace and hunger, though failed to make an impact during his time on the pitch.
Marcus Rashford – N/A
ITALY 2 SPAIN 0
Iceland
Hannes Halldórsson – 6: Did not have to pull off any spectacular stops. Gave away an early penalty.
Birkir Sævarsson – 6.5: Ensured Sterling did not run rampant on England’s left wing, putting in a solid shift defensively.
Kári Árnason – 8: Flicked a header on for Sigurdsson for Iceland’s first goal and was faultless at the back.
Ragnar Sigurdsson – 8.5: Netted the all important equaliser that gave his nation hope. The Krasnodar defender was impassable in the heart of the defence.
Ólafor Skúlason – 8: Performed formidably on Daniel Sturridge, rarely allowing him any space as well as winning most of his one-on-one duels against the Liverpool man.
Jóhann Berg Gudmundsson – 6.5: Utilised in a more defensive role to aid his side, and did so superbly.
Gylfi Sigurdsson – 6.5: The Swansea City man did not create much from midfield, however did provide a threat from set-pieces.
Aron Gunnarsson – 7.5: A combative presence in the middle of midfield. The 27-year-old also threatened with his long-throws, setting up the first of his nation’s two goals.
Birkir Bjarnason – 7: An industrious performer who got up and down the pitch with great energy.
Kolbeinn Sigthórsson – 7: Was fortunate to have scored Iceland’s second, however held up the ball well and showed great strength.
Jón Bödvarson – 6.5: The 24-year-old showed some great touches as he was involved in some neat build up play up front for the Nordic side.
Substitutes
Elmar Bjarnason – N/A
Arnór Traustason – N/A
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