How did Roy Hodgson's six England changes do against Slovakia at Euro 2016?
Tuesday 21 June 2016 15:05, UK
Roy Hodgson made six changes to his England team to play Slovakia. Here's how the incoming players fared…
England have finished second in Group B at Euro 2016 after failing to find a breakthrough in their goalless draw with Slovakia.
Despite beating Wales 2-1 last time out, Roy Hodgson made six changes for the game, saying he had taken the opportunity to rest some players. So, how did the replacements do?
Here, we take a look at the incoming players' performances and whether they've done enough to force themselves into contention for England's last-16 tie…
Nathaniel Clyne (in for Kyle Walker)
Clyne played more games at right-back for England than any other player in qualifying, so the Liverpool regular may have felt hard done by in losing his starting spot to Tottenham's Walker. But the Spurs full-back has shone in France and left big shoes for Clyne to fill against Slovakia.
The 25-year-old responded to the challenge. With virtually no defensive work to do, Clyne's major role against Slovakia was to provide width, crosses and bursts into the box. He did all three successfully, linking up with club team-mate Jordan Henderson impressively on the right flank.
Clyne made almost twice as many 'key passes' as any player on the field, teeing up an England player for a shot at goal on seven occasions. While just two of his six crosses found a colleague, he also produced one of England's best chances by racing on to a Daniel Sturridge pass and firing a cross-shot at goal which was parried over the bar by Slovakia goalkeeper Matus Kozacik.
Hodgson has two good options at right-back and will have a tough call to make before the last-16 tie.
Ryan Bertrand (in for Danny Rose)
Rose was one of England's best performers against Russia but after not enjoying the same impact against Wales, there may have been an opening for Bertrand to snatch a starting spot at left-back.
The Southampton man completed more crosses than right-back Clyne, with four of Bertrand's seven centres finding their target, and he also set up four shooting opportunities.
However, he was caught out trying to control a high clearance, with Robert Mak robbing him in the first-half to set up a counter-attack.
All in all, a solid effort from Bertrand, but Hodgson may well revert to Rose in the knockout stages.
Jordan Henderson (in for Dele Alli)
Dele Alli's reward for teeing up Sturridge's late winner against Wales was a place on the England bench, with Henderson replacing the Spurs youngster against Slovakia.
The Liverpool captain was clearly tasked with keeping a close eye on Slovakia danger man Marek Hamsik but, as England's domination of possession went on, Henderson increasingly linked up with club colleague Clyne down the right.
Henderson may have opened the scoring had his well-hit first-half volley from the edge of the box not been blocked. However, while the central midfielder kept the ball well - completing 91.3 per cent of his 80 passes - too often his final ball in the box frustrated. Just two of his 11 crosses found an England player.
Alli showed his attacking threat with a late cameo, forcing Martin Skrtel to clear an effort off the line, and Hodgson will likely reinstate the PFA Young Player of the Year next time out.
Jack Wilshere (in for Wayne Rooney)
Hodgson had described Wilshere as "a special player, a real quality player" before the tournament, so it was no surprise to see the England manager give the midfielder a shot from the start against Slovakia.
It was a move that didn't work. Wilshere managed just 141 minutes of Premier League football last season due to injury and, despite a few nice touches, he too often looked like a player lacking match sharpness. At half-time, only striker Jamie Vardy and goalkeeper Joe Hart had a worse pass completion rate and Wilshere was replaced 10 minutes into the second period.
On at least two occasions Wilshere mistakes allowed Slovakia to mount counter-attacks and, although Wayne Rooney struggled to make the difference when he came on, Hodgson is unlikely to leave out his skipper in the knockout phase.
Daniel Sturridge (in for Raheem Sterling)
Sturridge was England's hero against Wales after replacing Raheem Sterling at half-time in that fixture and was a shoo-in to face Slovakia, given the Manchester City man's struggles at the tournament. However, Sturridge will depart Saint-Etienne frustrated.
He nearly found the net nine minutes in, but was denied by a last-ditch block from Peter Pekarik inside the six-yard box. There was another golden opportunity after the break when Eric Dier chipped a through ball into his path and Sturridge failed to connect with the goal at his mercy.
Smart step-overs and clever back-heels created space and Sturridge completed 90 per cent of his passes. But, unlike against Wales, he was unable to create that moment of magic to make the breakthrough before being substituted on 75 minutes.
Sterling is unlikely to return to the starting XI any time soon, but it may be Hodgson looks for a different forward option for England's next outing and reserve Sturridge for an impact role from the bench.
Jamie Vardy (in for Harry Kane)
Along with Sturridge, Vardy formed the half-time cavalry for England against Wales, levelling the match just 11 minutes after stepping off the bench in place of the struggling Harry Kane. The Leicester City ace was handed a starting spot against Slovakia as a result.
An early flick from a cross presented a chance for Sturridge but it was on 17 minutes that Vardy was presented with his moment. However, despite racing onto Henderson's long pass, Vardy, under pressure from his marker, could only fire his left-foot shot straight at the 'keeper.
With Slovakia dropping deeper as the match wore on, Vardy found space at a premium and managed just 29 touches in total. No starting outfield player had fewer - even those which were subbed off early. It was a frustrating and fruitless night for the England striker.
With five forwards in his squad, including Rooney, Hodgson has plenty of options in attack. It doesn't seem as though he's found his best combination yet.
