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England are better than Wales, says Slovakia manager Jan Kozak

Jamie Vardy
Image: England are better than Wales, says Slovakia manager Jan Kozak

Slovakia manager Jan Kozak believes England are a better side than Wales, despite finishing behind them in Group B of Euro 2016.

Slovakia's hard-fought 0-0 draw in St Etienne on Monday leaves Roy Hodgson's England in second, with Kozak's side in third with a good chance of reaching the last 16 as one of the four best third-place sides.

Slovakia lost 2-1 to Wales in their opening game, but Kozak insists England were better in quality than Wales.

"From what I have seen, in terms of quality, they are better. England are better than Wales," he said.

"We expected a lot of pressure from England, because they are a top team and as time went on, our team started to show signs they were tired.

Eric Dier and Jack Wilshere show their frustration
Image: Eric Dier and Jack Wilshere show their frustration in the first half in St Etienne

"To get a point against England is a huge positive. I am glad to have four points, but we have to see how things progress and if we get through to the last 16 we'll be really happy.

"We tried to attack, but the quality of the opposition, especially late on, meant we were deep in defence and couldn't get out of our half.

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"I didn't expect to be pressed so deeply."

Peter Pekarik of Slovakia is challenged by Adam Lallana of England
Image: Peter Pekarik of Slovakia is challenged by Adam Lallana of England

Kozak said that before the tournament he had targeted the game against Wales as Slovakia's best chance for a victory.

Having lost to the Welsh in their opener, Slovakia beat Russia 2-1 before drawing with England.

"I had concluded we could only get four points if we beat Wales, which didn't happen, but football is like that sometimes," said Kozak.

Kozak added that his side had wanted to attack England, but came up against a solid defence. 

"To be honest, it's not really our style of play and it's not nice to watch."

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