The Three Lions kicked off their World Cup qualifying campaign against Slovakia at the Stadion Antona Malatinskeho, Trnava. As Allardyce, settled into his seat, he could have been forgiven for the nerves that might have possessed him. This was his first match as the England coach and there was a sense of anticipation
The Euros 2016 was the last occasion when both these teams faced each other and it seemed they were intent on continuing that stalemate here before Adam Lallana grabbed a late winner. The match was another dull affair except for few flashes of attacking intent.
Slovakia
Matus Kozacik – 7/10
The keeper was overworked and did well to keep his side in the game as they looked to snatch a late winner. Kept out the likes of Lallana and Sterling but was also assisted by a good defence. Very unlucky to concede in the last moments of the game as the ball squirmed through his legs with Lallana finally having the last laugh.
Tomas Hubocan–6.5 /10
The Slovak was a solid presence and kept the likes of Sterling and Walker quiet for most of the game. While there were umpteen number of crosses from the right flank, he never looked disconcerted. Was beaten for pace a few times but didn’t deter him from playing in his own way.
Peter Pekarik– 7.5/10
One of the better players on display as he constantly threatened the English defence with his quality crosses. Set the ball rolling with an early cross as early as the third minute and never looked back from there. Unfortunately, his deflection of Lallana’s shot resulted in the winning goal and it will be a bitter pill to digest.
Martin Skrtel– 5 /10
The captain let his side down by two rash challenges. He picked up a yellow card midway through the first half and after that looked like an accident waiting to happen as he picked up the second yellow card to proceed for an early bath. Till then the skipper was quite commanding, keeping Kane quiet and organising the defence.
Jan Durica – 8/10
Partnering Skrtel in central defence he was supposed to follow the lead of his captain. Instead, his solidarity and stability allowed the captain to take more risks and would have worked if Skrtel hadn’t been sent off. Will rue this loss after putting in such a splendid performance. Slovakia’s man of the match for me.
Huvocan– 6/10
The Marseille defender was beaten for pace like his compatriots but made up for it with tackles and better positioning as the game progressed. With Sterling and Walker both roving down his wing, he had to be alert throughout as he tried his best to keep their runs in check.
Robert Mak – 7.5/10
Worked tirelessly and tracked both Rose and Lallana with excellent timing of his interceptions. Performed admirably and played an integral part in maintaining the shaped of the team. Currently playing for FC Copenhagen, Mak’s contribution to attack was not decisive enough but his persistence should have impressed his teammates.
Jan Gregus– 6.5/10
Another workhorse in midfield as he kept on running tirelessly, especially his run on the half hour mark where he almost ran half the length of the pitch to lay off the ball for his teammate Svento. Other than that was constantly involved in breaking down attacks and covering the passes.
Victor Pecovsky– 6/10
One of the first changes made by Slovakia on the night was keener on shielding the defence rather than making any waves in attack. A good solid midfielder whose main job was to ensure that the defence didn’t see much of the ball. Hopefully, he will improve his attacking side of the game.
Marek Hamsik–6.5 /10
The Napoli man was largely a disappointing figure as he failed to get himself involved in the match. While he has earned plaudits for his attacking prowess, here he failed to muster any creativity and was largely anonymous throughout the game, especially in terms of attack. His defensive showing though prevents his rating from falling down further.
Dusan Svento –7 /10
The Sparta Prague winger was a very reliable outlet as and when the ball was played to him. Did well to support the lone striker and was at the heart of a very enterprising move with Gregus. Could have easily been on the score sheet as he failed to get any tangible connection from the Duris cross.
Michael Duris–6.5 /10
Played as the lone striker and must be ruing the 37th-minute chance which his team failed to take. Manfully he ploughed along and even when Slovakia were a man down he kept on main the runs. A selfless effort from the Slovakian.
Substitutes:
Frantisek Kubik -6 /10
He came on to replace Mak and immediately got into the thick of the action on the flanks. Combated the flank attack quite splendidly and was excellent defensively. Another of those days where defensive priority was the order of the day and he played the role to perfection.
Filip Kiss - 6/10
He must have had his heart in his mouth when Walcott put the ball in the net only to be ruled out for offside. He replaced the winger Svento as Slovakia looked to tighten up in the centre and contributed fiercely with his tackling and constant running.
England Team
Joe Hart– 7/10
The Turin-based goalkeeper had a quiet night and his major role was in distributing the ball to his team mates. Was hardly tested by the Slovakians and bore the brunt of their frustration as Mak fouled him twice in quick succession. That was as much eventful as it got for the new Torino keeper.
Kyle Walker–8 /10
Made marauding runs down the right wing and delivered excellent crosses which flashed across the goal more than often for his liking. Showed ability with the ball and his constant endeavour to assist in attacking and tracking back showed that he has come a long way since his debut. Probably England’s man of the match.
Gary Cahill– 7/10
One of the senior members of the squad, the Chelsea man guided the youthful defence beautifully. He played closer to Dier thus liberating Stones and allowing him to move forward more. Hardly looked troubled as he headed away crossed which came along his way. In fact, his assured presence encouraged the full backs to bomb forward.
John Stones– 7.5/10
The centre-half carried on his club form into the game and once England had the numerical advantage, Stones was at the heart of everything good about England. Almost came close to scoring what would have been a wonderful goal in the dying moments. Allardyce would have been more impressed with his defending especially the way he cut out the crosses.
Danny Rose– 7/10
A piece of awful defending almost threatened to spoil his evening, as an awful mix up almost led to Slovakia taking the lead. But as the game progressed Rose provided a constant threat down the left along with Lallana. The encouraging link-up play down that wing was also responsible for the goal. Defended and covered well when put under pressure.
Jordan Henderson– 7/10
Put in a workman like shift as has been expected from him. Kept on making lung-bursting runs and always tried to make himself available for a pass. Was the heartbeat of the team as he kept the game moving with his pass and move style. Laid off a brilliant ball for Adam Lallana before getting substituted.
Eric Dier–7 /10
Calm and collected, he never seemed to break out into a sweat nor did he ever look hurried. Kept the game ticking with his simple passes be it sideways or forward and simplified the way England played. Was penalised for being too physical but didn’t pick up any card.
Raheem Sterling– 8.5/10
Flashed wide and was a constant threat throughout the game and showed why he has been so highly rated by Guardiola. A constant threat on the right wing, he also created chances out of nothing, especially the cheeky lob which almost caught out the opposition keeper. Was substituted with 20 minutes to go which seemed a bit surprising as he was the best English player on display on the night.
Wayne Rooney– 7/10
Overtaking David Beckham for the most number of caps by an outfield player for England, the captain set the tone with some Hollywood style passes. Playing behind Kane, at times drifted in and out of the game. While he was subdued in the first half, he gradually took control as the game progressed and looked very composed.
Adam Lallana– 8/10
Showed silky touches and his close control was a delight to watch. Was the best attacker after Sterling and took over the attacks once Sterling was substituted. Had an excellent shot ricochet off the goal post and finally got his due in the last moments as he showed quick feet to astound the defenders and fire a shot through the keeper’s legs.
Harry Kane– 6.5/10
Early season blues continue to haunt the English striker as he failed to make contact with some of the crosses that fell into his path. Came alive once Skrtel was sent off as he started to make more inroads, still looked sluggish though and was replaced with 8 minutes to go. Allardyce will expect more from him if he is to be England’s first choice striker.
Substitutes:
Delle Alli – 6.5/10
Was responsible for bringing urgency to the England attack and took advantage of the extra space and time to create chances for his England compatriots. He added the zip which was missing and made use of his advanced position to trouble the Slovakian defence.
Theo Walcott -5.5 /10
Replaced Sterling and almost got himself on the score-sheet only for the goal to be ruled out as an offside. For a senior England international his performance lacked the finesse and at times lacked the drive. His touch and his shots were poor and will do well if he earns a recall to the English setup.
Daniel Sturridge -6 /10
The striker came on with only 10 minutes left in the game and immediately was in the middle of all the action. Sturridge almost scored and even had a shot on target which hardly tested Kozacik. The striker contributed by retaining possession of the ball in dangerous areas and will hope to get more game time in order to establish himself as the first-choice striker.
