Sam Allardyce's tenure as England boss started with a 2018 World Cup qualifier away to Slovakia on Sunday afternoon.
Both teams had chances in what was a even first period, but neither could make the breakthrough in Trnava.
Slovakia's task became harder just before the hour when Martin Skrtel received a red card and England made use of their advantage in the fifth minute of additional time when Adam Lallana scored the winner to send them top of Group F.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Sports Mole's live international coverage continues from Trnava as Slovakia welcome England for their Group F 2018 World Cup qualifier. Can Sam Allardyce get his England tenure off to a perfect start or will Slovakia begin with three points at home? It has all the makings of a fascinating contest!
This afternoon will be the fifth time that Slovakia and England have met in international football. England have won three of their previous four meetings, but the two teams played out a 0-0 draw in the group stages of Euro 2016 earlier this summer. England, in truth, should have won that match, but failure to win saw them finish second behind Wales and saw Slovakia qualify in third position.
As it transpired, both teams went out in the next round of the competition as England incredibly lost 2-1 to minnows Iceland, while Slovakia were beaten 3-0 by the world champions Germany. Slovakia, on balance, had a decent Euro 2016 as they reached the knockout stage. But it was a real disaster for England and it cost Roy Hodgson the chance to oversee another qualification campaign.
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Trnava. We already know Allardyce's first England XI, but what about the hosts? Let's have a look!
TEAMS!
SVK: Kozacik; Pekarik, Skrtel, Durica, Hubocan; Gregus, Hamsik, Svento; Mak, Duris, Pecovsky
ENG: Hart; Walker, Cahill, Stones, Rose; Dier, Henderson; Sterling, Rooney, Lallana; Kane
The England team is as expected. News of Allardyce's first XI broke on Friday night and Big Sam has not made any late alterations. As a result, Wayne Rooney wins his 116th cap, making him England's most-capped outfield player. John Stones is chosen at the heart of the defence, while Joe Hart starts in goal despite his lack of football this season. Elsewhere, Adam Lallana, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling are all selected. Harry Kane leads the line for the Three Lions in Trnava.
As for Slovakia, there are five changes to the team that lost to Germany in the last-16 stage of Euro 2016. In come Tomas Hubocan, Viktor Pecovsky, Jan Gregus, Robert Mak and Dusan Svento, while Martin Skrtel and Marek Hamsik both keep their spots in the XI. Michal Duris will win his 30th international cap at centre-forward, but Pescara's Norbert Gyomber is only on the bench for the hosts.
So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just under 40 minutes from kickoff in this 2018 World Cup qualification match. I shall speak about Slovakia a little bit later, but let's start with England, who are now under the management of Allardyce. Some welcomed his appointment, some did not. Only time will reveal whether the Football Association made the correct call this time around.
It is not as if England need help qualifying for major tournaments, but their performances in the finals have been disappointing for far too long. They won all 10 of their qualification matches for Euro 2016 and also beat France, Germany and Portugal in the build-up to the finals, but bowed out in the round of 16 to Iceland in a performance that was embarrassing for the nation as a whole.
England did reach the quarter-finals of both the 2002 and 2006 World Cup, but they went out in the round of 16 in 2010 and were eliminated in the group stages of the 2014 World Cup. As for the European championships, they did not qualify in 2008, before making the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 and round of 16 at Euro 2016. It just has not good enough from the Three Lions.
In truth and with respect, it would be very, very surprising if England had any problems qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. They will take on Lithuania, Malta, Scotland, Slovakia and Slovenia over two matches and anything other than first place in comfortable fashion would rightly draw criticism. After taking on Slovakia here, they will face Malta at home and Slovenia away next month.
It would not be too disappointing if England started their campaign with a draw tonight, although the supporters will want to see a strong performance. There was plenty of application in the early stages of Euro 2016, just not enough end product. A solid performance and a solid result is all that the fans will ask, but Slovakia will not roll over as they bid to begin their campaign in style.
As mentioned, Slovakia also reached the round of 16 at Euro 2016 after finishing as one of the best third-place finishers in France. They only actually won one of their matches in the finals, however, beating a very poor Russia 2-1 on June 15. Alongside Slovenia and Scotland, they will expect to challenge for a top-two finish in this section. Just over 20 minutes until kickoff in this Group F clash.
Slovakia have never gone past the round of 16 at a major tournament, but they have enjoyed success in recent years – reaching the first knockout round at the 2010 World Cup in addition to Euro 2016. They actually did not become an independent nation until 1993, which makes their achievements even more impressive. Kozak has a workmanlike team, but where are the star players? They have one outstanding individual in the shape of Marek Hamsik, but that is about it in that class.
In terms of what is ahead for Kozak's side, they will travel to Slovenia and welcome Scotland in their next two qualification games next month, before hosting Lithuania in their final international of 2016 in November. England are the favourites to triumph here, but Slovakia did beat Spain 2-1 in this stadium in the early stages of qualification for Euro 2016. They needed some luck that night though!
Last week, Allardyce, in an interview with ITV, was asked whether Rooney would operate in midfield either against Slovakia or indeed while Allardyce is manager. The response: "No." Simple, Rooney plays in the 10 this afternoon and that has indeed been the case for Man United this season.
A reminder of the two teams...
SVK: Kozacik; Pekarik, Skrtel, Durica, Hubocan; Gregus, Hamsik, Svento; Mak, Duris, Pecovsky
ENG: Hart; Walker, Cahill, Stones, Rose; Dier, Henderson; Sterling, Rooney, Lallana; Kane
National anthems, check. Pre-match handshakes, check. Flags exchanged, check. England win under Allardyce, Che... oh not yet! Let's just hope for an entertaining game of football!
KICKOFF! England get the first period underway here...
... bright start from England as the Three Lions raid down the right before Walker delivers, but the cross is too strong and Slovakia, who play in white tonight, manage to clear their lines. You just get the feeling that the first goal here - if there indeed is one - could be vital in terms of the final result.
Rooney is on corners then, not Kane. Thank you Mr Allardyce.
Again it is smart football from the visitors as Sterling finds Walker and the right-back delivers into Slovakia box, but Skrtel is on hand to make the clearance. It has been a fast start from England, but they must be aware of the counter-attacking threat that Slovakia undoubtedly possess tonight.
First sign of a wonderful switch from Rooney as the Man United captain finds Sterling down the right, but the attacker's touch is poor and Slovakia have a goal kick. Very open game at the moment as both teams commit players in the final third. You sense that there will be some goals tonight.
Mak has the chance to deliver a dangerous free kick into the England box, but Cahill rises very well to make the clearance and eventually Svento fouls Sterling in a wide area for a free kick.
Hart gives away possession with a poor kick and Guardiola is sitting there saying 'I told you so'.
It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this early evening in Slovakia. It is still very warm, while the pitch is playing pretty well. Perfect conditions! Very good game at the moment as well as both teams continue to zip the ball in the final third of the field.
Pass, pass, pass from England as they continue to move the ball in the final third. But in fairness to Slovakia, the home side are nice and tight at the back. Little space to operate for the team in red.
Henderson looks to find the run of Sterling with a pass behind the full-back, but Kozacik is out to make the claim as we move into the 15th minute of this 2018 World Cup qualifier. On paper, this is England's toughest game of Group F, although Scotland might have something to say on that.
Stones is clearly blocked off at the far post when attempting to meet a cross from Rooney, but the referee is not interested. On second look, there was contact, but it would have been very soft.
Stones brings Mak to the deck and Slovakia have a free kick in a dangerous area here...
... Svento delivers into the England box, but Kane is on hand to head clear!
So, opening 20 minutes. Verdict? Not bad, not good. England have been solid enough without really threatening to make the breakthrough. Neither side has had a chance of real note thus far tonight.
CHANCE! First real chance for England as Walker delivers a dangerous cross towards the near post, but Kane has a fresh-air shot and Slovakia clear their lines. Great cross from Walker!
Possession football for England as they continue to pass the ball in the Slovakia half, but the home side are pretty comfortable. Henderson looks to slide a pass into Sterling, but the weight is too strong and Kozacik can gather once again. The pitch is also starting to cut up a little bit here.
BOOKING! Skrtel (Slovakia) is booked for an elbow into Kane's face.
Kane is still down here. Looks a nasty one for the Spurs forward.
His hair is a bit messed up, but otherwise no damage. Kane continues here.
England have been the better team in the last 10 minutes or so, but it is difficult to say that Slovakia are under any serious pressure. The home side are comfortable as the 30-minute mark approaches.
Kane has started to see more of the ball in the last few minutes as he drops into a deeper position, but Slovakia will be pretty happy with that because no-one is threatening to run behind. Cahill comes into midfield in an attempt to regain possession, but the centre-back fouls Hamsik.
Mak dives into a challenge with Stones and England have a free kick after Hart had been forced to play a short pass into a wide position. Every touch that Hart now takes is under the microscope.
Slovakia deliver another corner into the England box, but the referee spots something and blows his whistle. Penalty for the home side? No, free kick to England. Still goalless in this Group F clash.
Little over five minutes of the first period remaining and in truth, not much is different for England. New manager and new set-up, but the football has been pretty similar. Only one half-chance for the visitors and that saw Kane have a fresh-air swipe. Something is missing once again here.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as a poor mistake from Rose sees Duris deliver a super cross towards the far post, but Svento just cannot make contact. Should be 1-0!
CHANCE! The ball runs kindly for Sterling inside the Slovakia box following some poor defending, but the winger swings his effort wide of the post. Might have found the corner there.
Kane finds space outside the Slovakia box before unleashing, but Skrtel is on hand to make the block. The game has come alive in the last five minutes - will we see a goal before the break?!
Hubocan again does well against Sterling and the ball is fed into Hamsik, who looks for the run of Mak, but England have plenty of pace at the back and Rose is on hand to make the clearance. Slovakia again break in a wide position through Gregus, but England have bodies behind the ball.
Skrtel has just tripped Kane out wide and the referee says no! Could have been a red card!
Just the one added minute at the end of the first period.
Dangerous from England as Rooney feeds Rose and the left-back looks to deliver, but Skrtel is on hand to make the challenge and both players stay on the ground after a heavy collision.
HALF-TIME: Slovakia 0-0 England
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 0-0. In truth, it has been same old, same old from England. The Three Lions have had plenty of the possession, but really struggled to create openings in the final third. The best chance of the first period actually fell to the home team, but Svento just could not convert a brilliant Duris cross.
STATISTICS! England have dominated the possession with 63%, while they have had two shots, but neither were on target. Slovakia, meanwhile, are yet to have a shot of any kind. Just the one yellow card, which came for Skrtel and the experienced centre-back was fortunate to escape a red card after bringing Kane to the ground late in the first half. It would have been soft, but there was contact.
BENCH WATCH! Slovakia are not exactly flush with attacking options tonight, but the likes of Kiss, Kubik and Povazanec are avaialble if Kozak wishes to make a change. England, meanwhile, have forward options in the shape of Alli, Antonio, Sturridge, Vardy and Walcott. Plenty of talent there!
RESTART! Slovakia resume the action here...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will already have alterations in mind for the second period. All square here.
Much better from Sterling as the winger beats his full-back before delivering towards the far post and Kozacik has to palm away. Eventually Walker has a strike deflected behind for a corner kick.
Again it is good from Sterling as the Man City attacker drops his shoulder before curling one towards the far post and his effort is deflected behind for yet another corner for the away team.
Henderson hits one on the rise as England attack once again, but his effort was always rising over the crossbar. Slovakia have not really been allowed to settle in the early stages of this period.
Kane breaks through for England this time, but his effort is deflected into the arms of Kozacik. Much better from the away side since the restart. Slovakia are under some pressure now.
Good grief Skrtel escapes one again as he hauls Kane to the deck! Could have been another yellow. The resulting free kick is met by Henderson at the far post, but Kozacik is on hand to collect.
Slovakia are dropping deeper and deeper here and suddenly England look capable of picking the pass as they continue to find space in the final third of the field. You get the feeling that the first goal could win this match, especially with the home side prepared to sit with a 10-man defence.
SLOVAKIA SUB! Gyomber replaces Pecovsky for the home side.
Back-to-back corners for Slovakia in quick succession, but the away side clear on both occasions. Slovakia will get chances in this second period as England commit, I am pretty sure of that.
RED CARD! SKRTEL!
Well it had been coming. Skrtel brings Kane to the ground and then stamps on the forward. What on earth is the centre-back doing there? Second yellow and the defender is sent from the field.
That was so bizarre from Skrtel. He has made four or five terrible challenges tonight and just when he had escaped a few, he stamps on Kane. England are preparing to make their first change here.
Super defending from Rose as the left-back heads clear under pressure from Mak.
Sterling has the opportunity to run away from Gyomber, who has dropped into central defence, but the substitute does very well to win the header and win the resulting challenge. Alli is still waiting to enter the field for England as this game continues to become stretched at both ends of the field.
Lallana has the chance to find the top corner with a curling effort, but his effort is wide.
ENGLAND SUB! Alli replaces Henderson for England.
Plenty of possession for England as they continue to move the ball in the final third, but they are still not really creating any clear chances. Rooney has a go from outside the box and the Slovakia goalkeeper has to make contact under pressure from Alli. Still plenty of football left tonight.
Kozacik tips a Sterling effort over the crossbar as England continue to put the pressure on and only a wonderful header from Durica stops Kane making contact on a Walker cross. Lively game now!
Alli finds space inside the Slovakia box and looks to turn and release a strike, but there are bodies in the way and the home side clear their lines once again. Slovakia just cannot get out at the moment as the pressure continues and Kane has another shot blocked just outside the box.
England have a dangerous free kick as Durica dives into a challenge with Alli...
... ENGLAND SUB! Walcott replaces Sterling for England.
Rooney clears the crossbar with the resulting free kick from distance.
SLOVAKIA SUB! Kubik replaces Mak for Slovakia.
You just get the feeling that chances are going to arrive for England in the final 15 minutes and it will be up to the forward players to find the back of the net. That said, Slovakia could threaten on the counter attack, especially with fresh legs in the final third. Still all square in this Group F clash.
POST! Lallana hits the post from a narrow angle and moments later, the Liverpool forward is kept out by the Slovakian goalkeeper. Backs against the wall for the home side here!
Lallana's effort, which hit the post, fell to Walcott, but it was very poor from the Arsenal forward, who got his strike completely wrong. England are preparing to bring on Daniel Sturridge now.
SLOVAKIA SUB! Kiss replaces Svento for the home side.
The ball bounces off Kane's knee after a knockdown from Lallana and another chance goes for England, who are knocking on the door and indeed trying to get Sturridge on the field here.
Rooney wants a penalty after going down inside the box, but the referee is not interested.
ENGLAND SUB! Sturridge replaces Kane for England.
Lallana's cross is too strong and England are forced to start again as they remain camped outside the Slovakia box. Rooney has a strike from distance, but three, four white shirts block the ball.
CHANCE! Walcott finds Sturridge with a super cross and the Liverpool forward makes contact inside the box, but his effort is wide of the post. It will not go in for the away side!
Lallana misses the post from distance as England come close once again.
Walcott turns a Rooney pass wide from close range, but the flag had been raised.
Not long left in this match and England are still dominating possession. You still get the feeling that there is one big chance to come. As it stands, it has been another hugely frustrating night for England.
We are about to enter stoppage time and it is still goalless here as Sturridge finds the body of Kozacik with a strike that never had enough power to beat a goalkeeper at this level of football.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Walcott fired home from close range, but the flag is raised.
We are into the first of four additional minutes here.
Maybe the slightest of touches from Sturridge as the ball fell to Walcott, but it was very close. Looked a Slovakian defender on first glance. Some call from the official if he actually saw that.
Kozacik is down at the moment so time will be added to the four minutes.
We are into the fourth minute of additional time, but a couple more still to play due to the time that Kozacik spent on the deck. Durica has been a mountain for the home side tonight!
Durica hacks the ball clear once again following another period of pressure.
GOAL! Slovakia 0-1 England (Lallana)
England have won it in the fifth minute of stoppage time as Lallana finds space inside the Slovakia box before somehow placing the ball under Kozacik, who made contact. It is absolute heart-break for the home side, who have defended so well tonight. Through the goalkeepers' legs here!
FULL-TIME: Slovakia 0-1 England
So there we have it. Massive moment for England as Adam Lallana pops up late on to secure all three points for the visitors as they begin their World Cup qualification campaign with a win. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the live action once again. See you again soon!
