A frustrating night for the English.
It seemed straightforward enough. Beat Slovakia, top group, job done. Only, as England fans will tell you, things are never so clear cut when you’re watching a Three Lions team.
They started brightly enough with the same high tempo seen in the Russia game and dominating possession. More still, they were creating chances…
CLOSE! Jamie Vardy sprints through, beats Skrtel for pace, shot well-saved #ENGSLO https://t.co/xIhSUnGtu4
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 20, 2016
Adam Lallana fired one straight at the goalkeeper, too. Surely it was a matter of time?
As the half went on, the Slovakian defence stood strong. Frustration was starting to creep in, especially with some of the players that Roy Hodgson had opted to introduce into the starting lineup.
Lallana can't finish, Henderson can't cross and Wheelchair can't pass.
Clyne has been superb, Bertrand got forward well and Vardy is quick.— Dan Cohen (@DanCohen17) June 20, 2016
But as the half drew to its close, there was still a sense that the result was only ever going to end in an England win.
It's coming. Just be patient. England looking really good.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 20, 2016
Fingers were pointed at Henderson and Wilshere, but the feeling was relatively positive.
https://twitter.com/nathanoldroyd90/status/744979903376928768
With Wales cruising against Russia, England knew that they had to win to top the group.
The second half started in the same way, with Nathaniel Clyne spurning a glorious chance when all he had to do was roll the ball across the face of goal to a waiting Jamie Vardy.
CLOSE! The excellent Clyne causing havoc again, shoots at the #SLO keeper #ENGSLO https://t.co/MaPylToxpO
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 20, 2016
The tension was increasing as England failed to unlock the Slovakian defence.
This is painful to watch, how have England not scored yet
— Emmanuel Onumah (@EmmanOnumah) June 20, 2016
Jack Wilshere was withdrawn. Nobody seemed that arsed.
Dele Alli came on and almost made the perfect start with his first touch prompting this goal line clearance from Martin Skrtel…
DENIED! Dele Alli's shot is cleared off the line after a good Henderson cross #ENGSLO https://t.co/jzGiaMbMbM
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 20, 2016
Realising that their chances of scoring themselves were limited, Slovakia threw on another defender as they looked to qualify for the last 16 via third place. Their approach stifled Jamie Vardy who was quiet throughout the second half.
Genuinely have not seen or heard Vardy's name yet in this second half.
— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawTel) June 20, 2016
Still England dominated.
https://twitter.com/MilesHardman/status/744988735188701184
The Slovakian defending was becoming more and more desperate.
CHAOS! A crowd scene in the #SVK box, Dier shot deflected #SVKENG https://t.co/zVP2Zfqj8w
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 20, 2016
But following five minutes of stoppage time, the game finished goalless. Second in the group behind Wales who defeated the Russian 3-0 in Toulouse, England fans realised that their team will have to learn to make possession count if they are to do anything in this tournament’s knock out stages, with many of them sensing a familiar feeling is just around the corner.
https://twitter.com/oggie1688/status/744997299923918848
https://twitter.com/ChelseaAnalytic/status/744999304704712708
Same old under performing England. No passion no pride in playing for your country. #England #englandfa when will this ever change.
— Paul Howard (@DangerousDuck) June 20, 2016
https://twitter.com/whxlz/status/744999483512061956
What’s the French for ‘déjà vu’?
