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European Championship | Qualifiers
Jun 14, 2015 at 5pm UK
 
EN

2-3

Novakovic (37'), Pecnik (84')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Wilshere (57', 73'), Rooney (86')

Match Analysis: Slovenia 2-3 England

:Headline: Match Analysis: Slovenia 2-3 England: ID:228072: from db_amp
Sports Mole analyses the Euro 2016 qualifier between Slovenia and England at the Stozice Stadium.

England extended their winning run in Euro 2016 qualifying by coming from behind to earn a 3-2 victory over Slovenia.

Milivoje Novakovic gave Slovenia the lead when he latched onto Josip Ilicic's through ball and slotted into the corner.

After the break, Jack Wilshere scored his first two international goals to turn the game around, before Nejc Pecnik headed the hosts level.

With four minutes left to play, Wayne Rooney kept his composure to finish from inside the penalty area to give the Three Lions the victory as they ended the season unbeaten.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the events that unfolded in Ljubljana.

Match Statistics:

SLOVENIA:
Shots 4
On Target 3
Possession 42%
Corners 1
Fouls 12

ENGLAND:
Shots 16
On Target 6
Possession 58%
Corners 3
Fouls 15

Was the result fair?

There can be no denying that England deserved to win the match this evening, but their opponents pushed them all the way. Despite seeing all of the ball in the first half, Slovenia took advantage of some slack defending to go into the break ahead. Wilshere then scored two stunning goals to give England the lead, but once again the hosts showed their resolve to draw level. It seemed as if England would pay for their missed chances, but Rooney struck late on with his 48th international goal to make it six wins out of six for Roy Hodgson's side in qualifying.

Slovenia's performance

Slovenia did not make the best of starts to the match and they were fortunate not to concede an early goal when Sterling broke through their defence, before placing his effort over the bar. They were being outplayed for large spells, but they stunned the visitors by taking the lead through Novakovic's goal.

They were unable to build upon their advantage and they dropped deep at the start of the second half, inviting huge pressure from England. It did not prove to be a wise more by Srecko Katanec, as Wilshere cracked in a fine double to leave them trailing. To their credit, they looked to have salvaged a late point with Pecnik's header, but a lack in concentration cost them dearly, as within two minutes Rooney broke through to score. They will now hope to bounce back in their next qualifier against Switzerland, which could decide which team finishes second in Group E.

England's performance

England can be pleased with their performance in Ljubljana, as they dominated the game for large spells and always looked a threat in attack. Their build-up play was a joy to watch and they created plenty of openings throughout the 90 minutes. The displays of Wilshere and Sterling were also a plus, while Rooney made up for some poor finishing with a clinical strike in the dying minutes.

It was not all positive, though, as the display from the back four will have infuriated Hodgson. Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling were badly caught out as they tried to play Novakovic offside for the opening goal. Pecnik was also given too much room inside the box for Slovenia's second of the evening, and against better opposition, England could have been punished even further.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Jack Wilshere: The Arsenal midfielder had only scored twice all season for his club, but he struck two sensational goals in the space of 15 minutes to turn the game around for England. Aside from his goals, he controlled the tempo of the match and used the ball extremely well throughout.

Biggest gaffe

The defending for England's first goal from Cahill and Smalling was poor, while the back four looked shaky throughout the evening. At the other end of the pitch, Rooney and Sterling missed gilt-edged chances to score, although it did not end up costing their team.

Referee's performance

Alberto Undiano Mallenco had a solid game in the middle, but he should have shown a card to Bostjan Cesar, after the defender appeared to catch Rooney with an elbow in the second half. It was his only blip, in an otherwise good display.

What next?

Slovenia: The Slovenians will return to action in September with a vital qualifier away to Switzerland.

England: The Three Lions will be expected to pick up all three points and contiune their winning run in qualifying when they face San Marino in September.

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