Slovakia’s Tomas Hubocan, back, challenges for a ball against England’s Raheem Sterling during their World Cup Group F qualifying soccer match in Trnava, Slovakia on Sunday Sept. 4, 2016.
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Sam Allardyce chose to start Rooney in a deep central midfield role against Slovakia and needless to say he was no good in that position.
Rooney registered England’s first shot on target in the 65th minute, a weak curler that Kozacik pushed away uncertainly, before Sterling nearly caught the Slovakia goalkeeper out with an improvised chip. “So, when he is using his experience and playing as a team member, it’s not for me to say where he’s going to play”.
It also got England off to the flawless start as they begin their qualification campaign for the 2018 World Cup with three hard-earned points.
Allardyce, who succeeded Roy Hodgson after Euro 2016, said the winning goal was “richly deserved”, but admitted it had come as a “huge relief”.
England had one final chance, though, and Lallana duly accepted it, jinking free inside the penalty area to slot a low drive through the legs of Kozacik and give Allardyce a winning start.
Allardyce was edging towards a 0-0 draw though, until Liverpool playmaker Lallana popped up to score an injury-time victor – his first goal for his country in his 27 cap.
The ESPN FC crew evaluate England’s first match under Sam Allardyce, a 1-0 win over Slovakia in World Cup Qualifying.
England found it hard to break down their hosts, who were reduced to 10 men when Martin Skrtel was sent off with 33 minutes remaining for a foul on Harry Kane, but were rewarded when Adam Lallana scored a 95th-minute victor.
Eric Dier made his 11th appearance for England in the victory over Slovakia. “I am happy where I’m playing”.
“Wayne played wherever he wanted to”. Thomas Mueller has regained his confidence, putting his perplexing Germany goal drought behind him by scoring twice in the 3-0 win in Norway.
Rooney largely spent the game in midfield. He’s been a goalscorer all his life and I want him to do that again, but he reads a game as he reads it.
“I think we always believed in our ability and there were no nerves or thoughts about the Euros in our minds tonight and I think that showed in our performance”.
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The Tottenham Hotspur striker put on a lacklustre display in front of goal during the tournament as he failed to score. “We have dominated the game and got a very important win”. You’re the manager, you can do what you want with the players and their positions.
