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
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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.
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.
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
Odds…
England to win: 4/11
Slovakia to win: 15/2
Draw: 7/2
(Odds provided by 888 Sport)
29 min: Walker wins the ball in his own half and drives forward but Kane, Alli and Rashford all turn their backs to him and sprint towards the goal leaving no out-ball for the City man who promptly loses it.
32 min: Another corner for England. Henderson whips it in and Phil Jones does a very Phil Jones attempt at a volley. Slovakia win it back and push forward. England have started to keep possession more now after that shaky start but look bereft of ideas going forward... and just as I type that Rashford drags one horribly wide.
36 min: It's all a bit long ball and hopeful crosses at the moment from England, huge gaps between midfield and attack and sloppy losses of possession.
It's hardly surprising the home fans are sat in apathetic silence...
Some relief for England... Rashford plays a cute ball through to Kane who could have easily gone down for a penalty but instead wins a corner.
Rashford plays it in and, from what was hardly the finest cross, Dier sneaks to the near post and scoops the ball into the roof of the net with a deft flick.
Undeserved, perhaps, but Southgate will be pleased...
Eric Dier becomes the first England player to score on his club's home ground in over a decade. Can you name the last man to do it? Tweet us @IndyFootball
43 min: SAVE! Rashford with a dangerous looking shot to the near post from 25 yards and Dubravka pushes it behind for yet another England corner. England starting to dominate
45 min: Kyle Walker's pace comes to England's rescue after a Cahill mistake sees Weiss nearly get in on goal.
HALF-TIME: England 1-1 Slovakia
Well, after a shaky start the hosts will probably be pleased to be going into the break level.
Stanislas Lobotka, the brightest player on the pitch in that first-half, opened the scoring for the visitors before Eric Dier's neat finish pulled one back for the Three Lions.
England have looked a bit dis-jointed so far. Will Southgate make a change at half-time?
Replays at half-time suggest Walker was very lucky at the end there. The City defender mis-timed his tackle and could easily have seen red if the referee had spotted it. He was left in a tough situation by Cahill, however, who went flying into a challenge on Weiss and saw the Slovakian bear down on Hart's goal. It's no surprise the forward was so incensed with the referee's decision not to award a foul.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments