Draw drops England to second place

Wales’ 3-0 win over Russia in Toulouse meant the Three Lions finish second in Group B. Slovakia must now wait to see if they qualify as one of four best third-place best teams after their goalkeeper Matus Kozacik pulled off a string of saves -- some more luck than judgement. 

England will now play their last 16 game in Nice next Monday against the side who finishes second in Group F, most likely against Hungary or Portugal. This was another frustrating night for England fans in Saint-Etienne It was at the Stade Geoffroy Guichard where David Beckham was sent off as England lost to Argentina on penalties in the last 16 of the 1998 World Cup. 

Prince William, who turned 34 on Tuesday, was in Saint-Etienne, sat next to FA chairman Greg Dyke who has said Hodgson will remain England manager -- provided they reach the semi-finals. Hodgson’s contract expires after Euro 2016. The England boss boldly made six changes to team, starting strikers Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge. 

Hodgson left skipper Wayne Rooney among the replacements with centre-back Gary Cahill taking over the captain’s armband. Vardy worked hard throughout, but squandered two clear chances of England’s nine first-half attempts on goal to Slovakia’s single effort. He fired over early on, then had his shot blocked by Kozacik in a one-on-one after winning a sprint against Slovakia captain Martin Skrtel. 

And only a fine tackle from right-back Peter Pekarik denied Sturridge at the near post in the opening 10 minutes. Lallana were then denied by Kozacik’s reflex save with half an hour gone. England’s frustration continued after the break till the final whistle.