Roy Hodgson elected to make six changes to his line-up, but his team began with a clear edge in Saint-Etienne, working openings with relative frequency. And although their efficiency tended to tail off in the final third, England could easily have struck more than once in the opening period.
Starting for the first time in France, Jamie Vardy was Slovakia's chief tormentor, firing over in the early stages before losing out to Matúš KozáÄik in a one-on-one after racing clear on to a lofted pass. The Slovakia goalkeeper also had to parry a stinging effort from Adam Lallana following one of several Nathaniel Clyne forays down the right.
The Liverpool full-back nearly scored himself after the restart, bursting on to Daniel Sturridge's through ball only to have his shot bounce off KozáÄik's shoulder. Moments later, Vladimír Weiss tested Joe Hart at his near post, but the introduction of Wayne Rooney and Dele Alli helped England settle again.
The Tottenham man even had an attempt cleared off the line by Martin Škrtel seconds after coming on, yet that was as close as the Three Lions went. Unable once again to turn domination into goals, England thus had to settle for second behind Wales and a 27 June meeting with the Group F runners-up – the kind of certainty Slovakia possibly now crave.
Man of the match: Matúš KozáÄik
Credit: UEFA.com
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