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England qualify second after 0-0 tie with Slovakia in Group B (updated)

Xinhua, June 21, 2016 Adjust font size:

England were held by Slovakia to a goalless draw and finished second in their group of EURO 2016 here at the Stade Geoffroy Guichard on Monday.

England were dominant in the whole match with 27 attempts but they didn't grasp those good opportunities and failed to score.

In the 17th minute, Jamie Vardy showed his fast run with the ball before he shot, but the England striker's effort was straight into the midriff of the onrushing Slovakia goalkeeper Matus Kozacik.

On 33 minutes, Adam Lallana played a sideway pass to Daniel Sturridge a few yards outside the Slovakia penalty area, but his shot from distance was blocked.

Twenty minutes later, Nathaniel Clyne shot from a narrow angle but his effort was saved and put out for a corner.

England substitute Dele Alli twisted his body cleverly at the back post to direct a shot on target in the 61st munite, but Slovakia captain Martin Skrtel hacked the ball off the line.

"We tried and tried and they shut the door in our face. We had the ball constantly. We just didn't quite have that cutting edge to open them up," said England captain Gary Cahill.

"We know we're second in the group and we know we've got a huge game coming up," he added.

Slovakia lost a good chance when Vladimir Weiss cut inside on to his right foot in the box but he didn't quite catch his shot and Hart made a comfortable save.

For the whole game, Slovakia showed their nice defenses, blocking and deflecting shots from England.

"Our players tired as the game went on and England showed their quality and strength but when you see an opportunity you go everything you can," said Slovakia coach Jan Kozak. "Perhaps I didn't expect to be pressed so deeply but we made some substitutions to neutralise the impact of their attack."

England secured their place in the last 16 of EURO 2016 and will against the side which will finish second in Group F.

Slovakia finished third in the group and should wait to see if they qualify as one of four best third-place teams. Endit