WORLD CUP QUALIFYING GROUP F FOR BOTTLE

through his first major test as Three Lions manager, winning his biggest game yet and holding his nerve when the rest of Wembley looked on nervously.

It was highlighted by Rashford’s early mistake. Trying to dribble away from his own box, he was closed down by Tomas Hubocan, Lobotka then nicked the ball and played a one-two with Adam Nemec.

Lobotka raced through onto the return pass, keeper Joe Hart was sluggish off his line, and the Slovakia midfielder put the ball past him and into the net.

The TV cameras instantly zoomed in on Rashford, head down and looking distraught. He tried hard – maybe too hard – to make amends, chasing, dribbling and driving forward. But it was Slovakia who were more comfortable, and England struggled to break them down until Harry Kane won a 37thminute corner. Rashford drilled the ball to the near post, Dier ran across the face of goal and swept it home. Hardly a classic but there was a collective sigh of relief at Wembley.

England had an incredible let off as Kyle Walker brought down Vladimir Weiss in first-half injury time, when the former Manchester City forward went through. Walker could have received a red card and yet French referee Clement

Turpin did not even give a foul.

It was a let-off which perhaps proved to be a game changer. England were much better after the restart, with Rashford, Alli and Alex Oxlade-chamberlain all going close. Nemec forced a good save from Hart but it was England in control.

Rashford provided the winner. Alli made a crucial interception, Jordan Henderson drove forward, fed Rashford and he cut inside, before unleashing a low, 20-yard shot, which dipped and swerved into the far corner.

SAFE HANDS Keeper Joe Hart pulled off a smart save wasn’t so good to begin with, but it got better! A fantastic show of character after making a mistake and then scored the winner which got us closer to the World Cup, where hopefully he will...