KRHIN IMPRESSED BY SCOTS

SLOVENIA midfielder Rene Krhin believes Scotland can defy England if they repeat their performance from Sunday evening. The Slovenians are the only team to have avoided defeat against Gareth Southgate’s side in Group F, earning a goalless draw in Ljubljana last October. They arrived at Hampden occupying second place, only to fall to what Krhin admitted was a deserved defeat thanks to Chris Martin’s late goal. The 26-year-old midfielder, who plays for La Liga club Granada, feels Gordon Strachan’s side can now further open up the race for the play-offs when England visit in June. ‘Scotland played very well against us,’ insisted Krhin. ‘I think it will be an open match for them against England. ‘England are a great team. When we achieved our draw, we just did our maximum. We played well against them. ‘England have players who can resolve the match with one move, but Scotland were very good on Sunday. ‘We thought they would play more long balls, but they kept the ball well. Maybe we should have gone a bit higher to press them. But we have to forget this match and look forward.’ Slovakia have now moved up to second spot on nine points, one point ahead of Slovenia and two in front of Strachan’s squad. ‘We are still in an okay position and we have Malta in the summer,’ added Krhin. ‘But there are no easy matches. ‘In every match, if you don’t go 100 per cent, if you’re not okay, anything can happen. ‘A draw would have been a good result for us on Sunday because Scotland had very good opportunities in the first half.’