They conceded a late equaliser to draw with Russian Federation, needed a stoppage-time goal by Daniel Sturridge to beat Wales 2-1 and dominated possession against Slovakia without ever looking likely to break down their massed defence.
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Wales’ 3-0 victory over Russian Federation saw them top the group.
Spain are now the 3/1 favourites to win the tournament ahead of hosts France at 4/1. “The way we’re playing at the moment, I’m not frightened of any team”.
“I know they had chances but they could not convert any of them”.
For Russia, defeat meant its time at Euro 2016 is over and coach Leonid Slutsky gave a major hint that he won’t be the man in charge for much longer.
“It was frustrating not to get the win which I thought the performance deserved – they defended in numbers and were very resilient, and unfortunately we couldn’t unlock the door”.
“If we had got an early goal, it could have been very different – but we didn’t”.
“They seem happy to keep possession but that’s no use if you can’t hurt the opposition at the end of it”.
“We’ll be paying close attention to who we may get”.
“I don’t think so”.
Clyne was one of six players drafted into Hodgson’s starting line-up for the 0-0 draw against Slovakia on Monday.
Todd, though, did not necessarily agree with those who felt the decision backfired.
Boss Hodgson also denied the changes had cost England: “That’s the hindsight reaction, if we had won the game people would have said we didn’t miss them”, he said.”If we don’t win the game then the team selection is wrong, I’m used to that”.
But despite the roar of their fans, who vastly outnumbered Slovakia’s in the St. Etienne stadium, England could not find a way through the Slovak defence as the match ended a goalless draw. “The manager made changes and we all came in and did well”. Everyone was telling me Vardy and Kane had to play because one scored 24 goals and the other 25.
Shearer also believes the team needs to improve on upfront so that they can score more goals or they might just crash out from the competition. The ball just won’t go in the net.
“That could help England – or it could put them on their backsides!” In each of the three games we’ve been the totally dominant team.
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“But if we do face them it will be far from an easy game”. Portugal have not impressed in France this year yet though, struggling to break down Iceland and Austria in two draws, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s toils have been well documented.
