Roy Hodgson is expecting another Euro 2016 war of attrition when England take on Iceland in the last 16.
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Both Kane and Alli were introduced as England chased a late victor which would guarantee their place at the top of group B.
“Sooner or later we will get the reward for our play”.
There was promise, and there were moments of dominance, but there were also a fair stumbles and disappointment, and in the end the Three Lions could only manage second in their group, finishing behind Wales, the one side they beat.
For Wales’ first, James Chester won possession deep in Russia’s half and back-flicked to Joe Allen, who threaded the ball behind the defence to Ramsey.
“Anyone on merit deserves to be in this team, ” Hart said after six changes were made against Slovakia.
I like Vardy a lot, but he’s pretty ineffective against a side who shut up shop, offer no space and who just let you have the ball.
Kane was rested for the stalemate against Slovakia and, despite an admirable display from Vardy, is likely to lead England’s attack for the rest of the tournament with Hodgson aware that he is unlikely to be offered a new contract unless he guides them to the semi-finals.
“It was frustrating not to get the win which I thought the performance deserved”, left-back Bertrand said.
Liverpool forward Adam Lallana has started all three games at the finals so far, but there is growing concern over the fact he is yet to score a goal in 26 internationals.
The English know the pitfalls of failing to top their group at a major tournament.
The timing of Dyke’s comments was surprising, but Hodgson said it wasn’t wise to read too much into them.
Chester, 27, owes his Welsh qualification to his Rhyl-born mother and only made his global debut two years ago before the start of the Euro 2016 qualifiers.
Look, we all know my lack of faith in Hodgson, but he has got to be more proactive in selection. “We could play badly and sneak our way through to what people think is a successful position, or play quite well and fall foul of a bad refereeing decision, an injury or something that happens in football, like against Russian Federation (in England’s first match at Euro 2016)… does it mean your team has done badly because they concede (an equalizer) in the 92nd minute after playing well?”
Hodgson thinks England’s next opponents will take the game to them more than Slovakia did, which could work in his team’s favour.
The man Reds fans call “God” felt England’s changes did them no favours but believes the format of the Euros promotes negative football.
“To go far in the tournament you need fresh legs”, Hart said.
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“I don’t think England have really been tested yet in terms of teams attacking us”.
