2018 World Cup Qualifier
Result: Slovakia 0-1 England
Date: 04 September 2016
Venue: Stadión Antona Malatinskeho
England began their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 1-0 win over 10-man Slovakia on Sunday evening.
Sam Allardyce included Wayne Rooney in the starting line-up, making him the nation's most capped player. While Harry Kane led the line for the Three Lions.
England struggled to create any openings in the opening 20 minutes, while the Slovakians were quite happy to sit back and absorb the pressure.
Slovakia squandered a glorious chance to break the deadlock after 37 minutes when Pekarik picked out Duris, who failed to hit the target with an empty net at his mercy.
The score remained 0-0 as the sides entered the halftime break.
Slovakia were then reduced to 10 men after 57 minutes when Martin Skrtel was sent off for a stamp on Kane.
Allardyce then introduced Theo Walcott for the in-effective Raheem Sterling after 70 minutes, as they searched for an opening goal.
Adam Lallana carved out England's first clear-cut opening of the game in the 76th minute when he rattled the upright, before Walcott blazed the rebound horribly wide.
The Three Lions pushed for a winning goal in the closing stages and were rewarded in stoppage time, as Lallana turned and slammed home from close range.
