Euro 2016: Slovakia 0-0 England - 5 talking points
England blew their chance to finish top of Group B at the UEFA Euro 2016 after playing out a 0-0 draw with Slovakia. Wales, on the other hand, displayed some attacking football in their match against Russia in Toulouse and came out 3-0 winners.
As a result of the draw, Wales finished as group winners with 6 points and England settled for the second spot with 5, and will now face the team finishing second in Group F which constitutes of Portugal, Hungary, Iceland and Austria.
The Three Lions struck 29 shots on goal, but only five of them were on target, something which they will surely need to improve on come the round-of-16. England’s blunt performance in front of the goal and the team selection from Roy Hodgson were just two of the talking points, read on for more.
1) Slovakia play for a draw
The Slovaks had a clear picture as to what they need to do in order to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the knockout rounds as one of the best four third-placed teams. Having already earned all 3 points against Russia, Slovakia needed a draw to get their tally to 4 points, which in all probability will see them through to the next round.
Coach Jan Kozak’s instructions were perfectly followed by his pupils and Slovakia earned their first clean sheet in a major tournament (in 7 matches).