Interim England manager Gareth Southgate has admitted that he has Joe Hart to thank for coming away with a point from their World Cup qualifier against Slovenia this evening.

Hart made a string of fine saves, including one world-class stop, and also saw one effort hit the woodwork as England held on for a goalless draw in Ljubljana.

Southgate acknowledged that there is plenty of room for improvement for his side, but believes that the point gained could be important towards their ultimate aim of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

"The overall objective is to qualify so long term that could be an important point. Everyone can see we could be better but their chances came from our mistakes or set pieces," he is quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

"We owe our goalkeeper really for getting a point. He was fantastic. He's at his best when he's calm and composed, it's something we've discussed and this week his manner has been very calm. He was at his best tonight. It was a brilliant save, we didn't start either half well and its an outstanding save that gets us a point.

"I can't thank the players and support team enough for the backing I have had. We wanted six points but we have taken over a mess and had to steady the ship. We are on track. I am going to have a couple of days to go and sleep."

England remain top of Group F having picked up seven points from their opening three qualifiers.