Sam Allardyce’s first meaningful match in charge and he barely escaped the blushes. Martin Skrtel last seen in Liverpool mugging players in the box was England’s best friend as he raked his studs against Harry Kane for his second booking and was sent off. Kane has gone badly off the boil and Theo Walcott, as sub was marginally better. Wayne Rooney had a free wheeling role and it showed. He was free, he was wheeling, and he was nondescript.

Slovakia were obdurate and England had very few ideas. Till the very last minute when Adam Lallana’s left footed shot managed to squirt between the legs of goalie Matus Kozacik. He was definitely the standout. England will have no problems qualifying for the 2018 World Cup from a below par group. However, as this win shows, the same concerns continue to dog them.

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