While making it to the finals in Russian Federation shouldn’t be a problem, given the recent failings of England bosses at major tournaments, you sense Allardyce will need more than a lucky penny to steer this group of players to glory.
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Wayne Rooney hit a low shot straight at Kozacik as the captain became England’s most capped outfield player, surpassing the record he held with David Beckham, by making a 116th appearance. But they did not have clear chances, so that is why we regret it.
Adam Lallana may have struck the victor but Sam Allardyce credits a “lucky penny” for England’s win over Slovakia. “He’s been a goalscorer all his life and I want him still to score goals, but he reads a game as he reads it”.
Asked what the feeling was in the dressing room, the Manchester City defender said: “Relief”.
“It was hard to break them down. but we got what we deserved”.
“The lads stuck together, remained patient, and got the goal in the last 20 seconds”. The former striker played all around the midfield during the match, starting in the no. 10 role and then moving to the left before settling for a role in a deeper position.
However, he shut his doubters up with the winning goal against Slovakia, turning home from close range in the dying embers of the game, whilst he showed quick feet and a level of invention other England players weren’t providing. And if you are playing well and contributing, that’s great’.
Slovakia went down to 10 men just before the hour mark as their captain, Martin Skrtel, was dismissed for two bookable offences, prompting Allardyce to throw attacking trio Dele Alli, Daniel Sturridge and Walcott into the fray.
“I must admit, he did play a little deeper than I thought he’d play today, but I was pleased with his performance”.
“In the end we got the goal and it’s a deserved win”.
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The 30-year-old elected to move back into midfield for England’s 1-0 win over Slovakia and visibly struggled, drawing criticism for his immobility and cabaret of misplaced passes.
