England vs Slovakia as it happened: Eric Dier and Marcus Rashford goals see hosts home after shaky start

England 2 Slovakia 1: Re-live all the action from the World Cup qualifier at Wembley

England face Slovakia at Wembley on Monday night (Getty)

England sit atop their World Cup qualifying group as things stand, but Slovakia are hot on their heels in second place. With just two points separating the sides, an England defeat would see them relinquish their place at the top of Group F with just two further fixtures remaining.

Friday’s edgy win over Malta did little to convince anyone that England are home and dry as they attempt to stay ahead of the chasing pack. The previous qualifying match between England and Slovakia was a narrow and unconvincing win for the Three Lions in Trnava, with Adam Lallana’s last-minute winner sealing victory for Sam Allardyce in his first – and only – match as England boss.

Gareth Southgate will not allow his players to lose focus, especially given Slovakia’s excellent recent form in Group F. After two losses at the start of the qualifying campaign, they have bounced back to win all five of their last qualifiers, including an excellent performance against Slovenia on Friday.

Follow all the live action below...

What time does it start?

England vs Slovakia kicks off at 7.45pm.

Kane was on target against Malta on Friday (Getty)

Where can I watch it?

The match will be shown live on ITV from 7:15pm.

It’s a big game for…

Raheem Sterling: Despite a good start to the season with Manchester City, there is a lingering sense with Sterling that he is yet to perform for England in big games. A quiet and ineffectual display against Malta on Friday – in which he squandered a clear early chance – has only galvanised the doubters.

Best stat…

0: The number of times Slovakia have beaten England, either in competitive matches or in friendlies, since the country’s formation in 1993.

Remember when…

England captain David Beckham’s free-kick sailed straight into the net during their opening Euro 2004 qualifying match in 2002. Sven Goran Eriksson’s men went on to win 2-1 in Bratislava.

Player to watch…

Jordan Henderson: The Liverpool skipper has stated his intention to don the captain’s armband during the World Cup. A commanding display of leadership here – against a Slovakia side keen to upset the applecart – will do his chances no harm.

Henderson will be key in the heart of England's midfield (Getty)

Past three meetings…

Slovakia 0 England 1 (Lallana), World Cup qualifying, September 2016

Slovakia 0 England 0, European Championships, June 2016

England 4 (Heskey, Rooney, Rooney, Lampard) Slovakia 0, International Friendly, March 2009

Form guide…

England: DLWDLW

Slovakia: DLLWWW

Rashford looks to be in line for a start at Wembley (AFP)

Odds…

England to win: 4/11

Slovakia to win: 15/2

Draw: 7/2

(Odds provided by 888 Sport)

[4 September 2017 20:00 · Evan Bartlett]

14 min: Rashford loses it again. The United man, starting on the right flank, isn't having the best time of it. It was his mistake for the early goal and he will be eager to right that wrong.

[4 September 2017 20:00 · Evan Bartlett]

Corner for England... and another one: After a scrap in the box on the first attempt - which saw Kane nearly get a shot away on goal - the Slovakians clear.

[4 September 2017 20:02 · Evan Bartlett]

18 min: Some nice play from Henderson sees Walker chip the ball to the edge of the box and Alli's shot is deflected wide.

The resulting corner from Rashford flies over the back post and out for a goal kick.

[4 September 2017 20:05 · Evan Bartlett]

20 min: It's a common theme: England string one or two passes together but then give it away cheaply. This time it's Oxlade-Chamberlain who's the culprit.

[4 September 2017 20:06 · Evan Bartlett]

21 min: Oxlade-Chamberlain does well to win the ball on the half-way line, he drives forward and, with Kane and Alli looking to find space, the Liverpool man blasts it over the bar from 25 yards. Groooooaaaaans from the Wembley crowd.

[4 September 2017 20:07 · Evan Bartlett]

22 min: A deep cross from Walker finds Alli's head in the box but his header is easily gathered by Dubravka.

[4 September 2017 20:09 · Evan Bartlett]

[4 September 2017 20:10 · Evan Bartlett]

25 min: Henderson with a cross from deep again finds Alli in the box. The Spurs man tries to knock it down for Bertrand but the ball smashes into his forearm and it's a free-kick. 

[4 September 2017 20:11 · Evan Bartlett]

26 min: Walker, who is one of the few England players to have had a bright start, plays an incisive through ball to Rashford who wins a corner... which again comes to nothing.

[4 September 2017 20:12 · Evan Bartlett]