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    Monday, June 20, 2016

    Euro 2016: Slovakia 0-0 England: Roy Hodgson's men reach round of 16 after scoreless draw with Slovakia


    England failed to break down a resilient Slovakian defence as they drew 0-0 in St Etienne.
    The point means Chris Coleman’s Wales finish as winners of Group B after comfortably seeing off Russia in Toulouse.
    Jamie Vardy had the best chance for Roy Hodgson’s men early on as he raced through on goal and failed to beat the goalkeeper, while Dele Alli nearly made an instant impact when he came off the bench – his first touch was a shot cleared off the line by Martin Skrtel.
    Their final position in the group means the Three Lions will face the second-placed opponent from Group F - consisting of Portugal, Hungary, Iceland and Austria - next Monday.

    Hodgson gambled by making six changes, with captain Wayne Rooney among those standing down in St Etienne.
    Recalls for Vardy and Daniel Sturridge always seemed likely after their match-winning displays against Wales four days ago, with Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling duly dropped to the bench.
    Kyle Walker, Danny Rose and Alli were the others taken out of the starting XI, with Ryan Bertrand, Nathaniel Clyne, Jordan Henderson and Jack Wilshere on duty.
    Slovakia were unchanged from the team that started their 2-1 win over Russia last time out.
    After a quiet start in terms of chances, Vardy had England’s first opportunity, showing a superb turn of pace to beat Skrtel. Through on goal, on the left-hand side of the box, the Leicester City striker could not steer the ball past Matus Kozacik.
    Clyne, starting in place of Kyle Walker – who has been excellent so far for the Three Lions – got forward well and his pull-back from the byline was not met in the box.
    Clyne made another lung-busting run forward and this time found Liverpool team-mate Lallana, whose shot was saved well by the Slovakia shot-stopper.
    The first-half showing was dominant by England but it was lacking that clinical finishing ability in the final third.
    They had a nervy start to the second half and it could have been much worse after a mix up between Joe Hart and Chris Smalling. Manchester United defender Smalling tried to chest a cross back to the City goalkeeper but he was sold short and Robert Mak failed to take advantage of the defensive error.
    Hodgson reacted by bringing on Rooney and then Alli, Wilshere and Lallana making way. Tottenham starlet Alli nearly netted with his first touch when he met Henderson’s cross and volleyed on target, Skrtel making the goal-line clearance.
    Eric Dier – moments after pulling up with a problem – threaded a classy ball over the top of the defence and Sturridge, running onto it from six yards, failed to connect with the ball on the turn as England grew increasingly anxious. That was Sturridge’s last act of the game as Hodgson introduced Harry Kane – the Premier League’s top scorer last season.
    Kane headed a late chance wide as England had to settle for their second draw of the group stages and second spot in Group B behind their rivals.

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    Item Reviewed: Euro 2016: Slovakia 0-0 England: Roy Hodgson's men reach round of 16 after scoreless draw with Slovakia Rating: 5 Reviewed By: billsports
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