By Simon Wright – Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88
Group B at EURO 2016 has been won by Wales after a
frustrating night for England in Saint-Etienne against Slovakia.
Chris Coleman’s side did what England couldn’t do to Russia
and dispatched them in commanding fashion in Toulouse. Goals from Aaron Ramsey,
Neil Taylor and Gareth Bale helped the Welsh to an easy 3-0 victory.
England dominated possession and had 29 shots on goal but couldn’t find a way through
Slovakia, being held to a 0-0 draw. This means the Three Lions were pipped to
top spot by Wales.
The Welsh will now play on Saturday against Albania, Czech
Republic or Northern Ireland. England now head for Nice next Monday where they
will play the runner-up in Group F. That could mean a last 16 showdown with
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal. They won’t know until Wednesday teatime the
identity of their opponents.
Lack of
clinical finishing for England
With momentum gained following the last-gasp victory over Wales
in Lens, Roy Hodgson attempted a tactical masterstroke which always looked like
it was going to be a gamble. It was risky and didn’t play any outcome in the
final result. Nevertheless, the manager can expect to receive some criticism
from sections of the media in the coming days.
Six changes were made to the starting XI. As expected, Jamie
Vardy and Daniel Sturridge came in for Harry Kane and the very disappointing
Raheem Sterling. Skipper Wayne Rooney, Dele Alli, Kyle Walker and Danny Rose
were all rested with Nathaniel Clyne, Jack Wilshere, Jordan Henderson and Ryan
Bertrand all making their first starts of the competition.
None of the players who came in did anything wrong. In fact,
there wasn’t a huge amount England did wrong at the venue where their
1998 World Cup hopes died against Argentina. However, they simply weren’t
clinical enough again, as was the same in the Group B opener against Russia.
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| Dele Alli missed the best chance as England were held in Saint-Etienne |
Alli (pictured) came on at the hour mark and he had the best chance of
the night but his effort was cleared off the line by the outstanding Martin
Skrtel, who proved his credentials after a difficult campaign at domestic level
with Liverpool FC.
Adam Lallana and Vardy forced a couple of smart saves in the
first half, whilst Sturridge scuffed a good opportunity in the second half.
Slovakia put 11 men in defence for the majority of the game.
They seemed only interested in drawing the match and taking their chances with
becoming one of the best four third-placed sides. That is looking very likely
already.
In all three games, England dominated but only won one encounter.
That is going to be a concern ahead of the knockout rounds because given the
Three Lions’ horrific penalty shootout record; they will want to wrap games up
in 90 minutes.
Wonderful
Wales sparkle
Whilst England stuttered, Wales made a flying start in Toulouse scoring inside 10
minutes. Joe Allen, who is having a brilliant competition, played Aaron Ramsey
in for the opening goal as the Russia defence remained static, expecting an
offside flag that never arrived. Replays confirmed later that Ramsey was
cleared onside.
Nine minutes later, the outcome of this match was all but
settled. Bale’s pass deflected off a Russian midfielder into the path of
left-back Taylor. He needed two opportunities at taking the chance, but he
found the back of the net to score his first international goal for his
country.
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| Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale dismantled Russia, taking Wales top |
Ramsey (pictured with Bale) pulled the strings all evening for Coleman’s Red
Dragons. He found Bale midway through the second half, who coolly defeated Igor
Akinfeev to wrap the game up and complete a memorable night for Welsh
international football.
Russia’s tournament has been a disaster. They have been one
of the worst teams at EURO 2016 and it now looks pretty galling on England for
having not beaten the Russians considering how easily Slovakia and now Wales have
defeated them.
Wales can now look forward to the knockout rounds at the
weekend. For England, it is an extended rest and a two-day advantage over their
next opponent but with Portugal, Italy and Germany now potentially in their
side of the draw, things have just got a lot harder if England wants to end
their 50 years of hurt at major tournaments.
My best
three players of Slovakia vs. England
Man of the Match: Nathaniel Clyne (England)
Resting Kyle Walker might have been a surprise but Nathaniel
Clyne strengthened his cause the most out of those players who came into the
team for England. Clyne was bright and sparky down the right-hand side and
posed a great threat all night with his crosses and runs.
2nd: Martin Skrtel (Slovakia)
England might have identified Skrtel as a weak link ahead of
the game considering he struggled last season domestically. In the end, he had
one of those nights where he blocked, headed and cleared everything away thrown
at him. Skrtel will be pleased to have won his battle with Daniel Sturridge.
3rd: Eric Dier (England)
It was another impressive performance from Eric Dier, who
had license to push further forward when it became clear what Slovakia’s game
tactic was. Had a few shots blocked and shielded the central defenders again
from any rare attacking threats. Dier is now one of the first names on the
manager’s teamsheet.
My best
three players of Russia vs. Wales
Man of the Match: Aaron Ramsey (Wales)
Gareth Bale might be the top scorer of EURO 2016 but Aaron
Ramsey has been Wales’ most energetic and lively player of the group stage.
Scored the early goal to settle any nerves and then played Bale in to wrap up
victory and top spot in Group B.
2nd: Gareth Bale (Wales)
Even though he’d scored two free-kicks in the competition,
Gareth Bale’s impact in open play had been restricted by both Slovakia and
England. Russia gave him the freedom to dominate the game. He got his goal and
is now the man to beat in the race for the Golden Boot.
3rd: Joe Allen (Wales)
Joe Allen divides opinion with Liverpool FC fans but he is
one of Chris Coleman’s key players. Man-of-the-match in the opener against
Slovakia, Allen had another great game in Toulouse and played Ramsey in with a
beautiful pass for the opening goal on Monday night.
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