The only position changed is the center midfield berth, even though England’s entire system collapsed during the European Championship campaign, producing two draws and a clutch win. First Conor Gallagher arrived for an illogical Trent Alexander-Arnold experiment; today Kobbie Mainoo was at last chosen. Not one alteration anywhere, though, for really strange reading. After moving through the group-stage, Slovakia presented the first obstacle and possessed all the means to inflict considerable suffering on England.

Slovakia brought the game straight to England, and other than a faint penalty shout the Three Lions once more looked lost. With some good hold-up action, Slovakia led by weaving a pass through before finishing past Jordan Pickford. Half-time brought a telling off, but shockingly (and somehow also naturally) there were no team changes. Starting the second half very brilliantly, Phil Foden scored what would have been the equaliser if but for him being in an offside position. After a horrible error from Kyle Walker, Slovakia could have scored once again, but fortunately the ball drifted wide. When Harry Kane headed a ball far wide of the target from a wonderful position, he passed a big opportunity. Declan Rice then struck the post, and Kane missed the rebound with another bad effort.

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