Redemption for Rashford as England edge past Slovakia

It was billed as a must-win game by some and England did just that, coming from behind to all but seal their place at next summer's Worl Cup in Russia.

The visitors started the game on the front foot and took the lead after just three minutes. Marcus Rashford, much talked about in the build up to this game, was caught in possession 25 yards out and was robbed by Lobotka. The midfielder, who was making only his third appearance for Slovakia played a quick one-two with Nemec with the return putting him in on goal. Joe Hart came out to meet him but couldn’t keep out Lobotka’s left-footed finish.

Rashford tried to make amends immediately after the restart, bursting forward and letting fly but his tame effort was easily gathered by Dubravka.

Slovakia dominated possession in the early stages and generally looked quicker, stronger and more mobile than their opponents.

Harry Kane and Dele Alli saw efforts from range drop wide as England searched for an equaliser.

The latter was involved in much of England’s attacking play early on, having a header saved by Dubravka after a deep cross from Walker before winning the ball back and giving it to Rashford who shot wide.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain blazed over from range after springing a counter before England did find a way back into the game.

Kane saw a shot deflected away for a corner after a good ball from Rashford and from the ensuing set-piece Eric Dier swept Rashford’s low outswinger into the top corner and past the man on the line from beyond the near post.

Rashford and Bertrand then called the visiting goalkeeper into action with fierce efforts from range but Dubravka was equal to both of them.

Slovakia reminded England that they were very much still in the game on the verge of half-time as Weiss span Cahill and looked to get in behind, fortunately for England Kyle Walker was across to clear.

The two sides went in level at half-time.

England were much improved after the break, quick feet from Dele Alli and Marcus Rashford looked to have set the former away but his effort was blocked out to Henderson who dragged an effort wide.

Nemec saw a fierce volley beaten away by Joe Hart following Weiss’ cross from the right in a rare foray forward for the visitors.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, Alli, Kane and Rashford all called Dubravka into action before the latter made amends for his earlier error as he gave England the lead just before the hour mark.

Alli won the ball back in midfield and the ball was worked into the path of the 19-year-old who took aim and found the far corner from a position just right of centre 25 yards out.

Slovakia had a chance to level minutes late as Weiss’ free kick from the right was only cleared as far as Hubocan but he slammed his volley into the turf and it looped up and over the bar.

The game then lost much of its tempo, with the hosts happy to play predominantly on the counter and with the visitors seemingly not keen on committing otoo many players forward.

Raheem Sterling fired straight at Dubravka shortly after his introduction but Rashford's goal was enough to give England the win and put England five points clear of Slovakia in second place with just two games to play.

England play Slovenia at Wembley next time out whilst Slovakia face Scotland.