England were held to a goalless draw by Slovakia in their Group B clash at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Etienne. The draw helped the Three Lions qualify for the knockout stage of the UEFA Euro 2016 as the second-placed side of their group, behind leaders Wales. Slovakia are also in the reckoning to secure a berth in the next round as one of the four best-placed third place finishers.
The football game was anything but drab, with Roy Hodgson’s side attacking relentlessly but were unable to break down an organised Slovakian defence. England registered 29 shots on goal, but only 5 of those were on target as profligacy in front of goal cost the Three Lions the three points.
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Here is how the players fared during the game:
Slovakia
Matús Kozácik – 8/10
Kozacik was phenomenal between the sticks for Repre and pulled off a host of impressive saves to deny England. The one-time he could not save a shot, Skrtel was there to get his side out of jail.
Peter Pekarík – 6.5/10
He made an excellent block to deny Sturridge from close range in the first half and was calm and assured with his performance. He was caught out of position when Vardy burst through the left.
Martin Skrtel – 8.5/10
The Liverpool man marshalled the defence with aplomb and led by example as he made a series of vital interceptions, blocks and clearances. He made a crucial goal line clearance of Dele Alli’s shot and was determined to not allow the English players a clear sniff at goal.
Jan Durica – 7/10
Durica made a number of vital blocks to keep his side on level terms and formed a formidable partnership with his central defensive partner – Skrtel.
Tomas Hubocan – 6/10
The 30-year-old allowed Clyne too much space in the first half, but improved as the game progressed and helped his side keep the clean sheet.
Robert Mak – 5.5/10
He didn’t offer much in terms of attack as Jon Kozak’s side were happy to sit back and defend. Spurned the golden chance to put his side ahead after the mix-up between Smalling and Hart.
Juraj Kucka – 6/10
Kucka provided excellent cover to the back four and didn’t afford English players enough space in midfield to cause problems for his side.
Viktor Pecovsky – 5.5/10
The 33-year-old shielded the back line but was let down by his passing and was also booked for a cynical challenge on Vardy.
Marek Hamsik – 6.5/10
The Napoli man was instrumental in helping his side earn a vital point as he covered every blade of grass on the pitch to ensure his side do not concede. However, he didn’t make any significant contribution in the attacking third.
Vladimir Weiss – 5.5/10
Weiss was a constant menace with his direct running, but didn’t have the impact he would have hoped for. He was replaced by Skriniar in the 78th minute.
Ondrej Duda – 4.5/10
Duda cut a forlorn figure as the lone striker of the Repre as he was bereft of any support or service whatsoever from his side. He was replaced by Svento in the 57th minute.
Substitutes
Dusan Svento – 4.5/10
He came on to replace Duda in the 57th minute but didn’t have a significant impact on the game.
Milan Skriniar – N/A
He Replaced Weiss in the 78th minute as Slovakia braced themselves for the final 15 minutes of the game.
Norbert Gymober – N/A
He came on as 67th-minute substitute for Pecovsky and was strong in the air.
England
Joe Hart – 6/10
The Manchester City shot-stopper didn’t have much to do for the entire game and must have been pleased to not commit any glaring errors following his howler against Wales. Smalling did give him a scare when he poorly controlled a ball inside the box.
Nathaniel Clyne – 7/10
Selected ahead of Kyle Walker, the 25-year-old put in a brilliant performance to stake a genuine claim at right-back, marauding forward to offer width and to create chances for his side. Hodgson must welcome the selection headache ahead of England’s next game.
Gary Cahill – 6.5/10
The England defenders had little to do as Slovakia sat back and absorbed the pressure. Cahill was solid at the back whenever called into action and was a threat at set-pieces.
Chris Smalling – 5.5/10
Didn’t have much to do for the entire game, but gave his side a scare when he tried to bring the ball down with his chest only to allow Mak a sniff at goal.
Ryan Bertrand – 6/10
Bertrand didn’t impress as much as Clyne, while deputising for Rose. Had a few nervous moments while defending and was lucky to escape another booking for his elbow on Peter Pekarik
Eric Dier – 6.5/10
Dier tried a number of long range drives, but failed to test the goalkeeper. The Tottenham Hotspur man did play two superb through balls to Sturridge which the Liverpool man failed to convert.
Jack Wilshere – 5/10
The injury-prone midfielder tried his best to make things happen for his team and was guilty of overdoing things at times. He was substituted in the 56th minute for Wayne Rooney.
Jordan Henderson – 6/10
His vicious shot from the edge of the box was blocked by Durica. Sprayed an exquisite diagonal ball to Vardy, which the Leicester City man failed to put away.
Adam Lallana – 5.5/10
His poor run of form in front of goal continues as he shot straight at Kozacik from Clyne’s cut-back in the first half. However, he did threaten the Slovakian defence with his clever movement and quick passing.
Jamie Vardy – 5.5/10
Shot straight at the keeper when put through by Henderson’s brilliant diagonal ball. Set up Sturridge and Lallana on more occasions than once.
Daniel Sturridge – 4/10
The Liverpool man saw his goal-bound shot blocked by Pekarik in the first half. He was over-enthusiastic with his shooting. Missed a brilliant chance to put his side ahead in the 73rd minute after being put through by Dier with a brilliant over the top ball. And was eventually replaced by Harry Kane in the 76th minute.
Substitutes
Wayne Rooney – 5/10
Rooney came on to replace Wilshere in the 56 minute but failed to have a decisive impact. He did try to waltz through the Slovakian defence, but did not get the desired result.
Dele Alli – 5.5/10
Alli replaced Lallana in the 60th minute. Made an instant impact and if not for Martin Skrtel, the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, would have scored with his first touch of the ball.
Harry Kane – N/A
He replaced Sturridge in the 76th minute but didn’t have enough time to make a telling impact.
