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England vs Slovakia player ratings: Eric Dier stands out on a frustrating night

Who impressed for Roy Hodgson's side on a frustrating night in St Etienne?

Monday 20 June 2016 22:14 BST

 Eric Dier has been Mark Ogden's, Ian Herbert's and Glenn Moore's young player of Euro 2016 (Getty)

Roy Hodgson's decision to make wholesale changes backfired as England wasted the chance to top their Euro 2016 group, with a goalless draw against Slovakia only enough to see them through as runners-up to Wales.

Days after being praised to the hilt for his match-winning decision to bring on Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Vardy in Lens, the Three Lions boss made an error in judgement by making six alterations for Group B clash at the Stade Geoffroy Guichard.

England had not made so many changes at a European Championship finals since 1980 and the gamble, however calculated, did not pay off as Slovakia's stern defence held firm to secure a 0-0 draw in St Etienne.

Wales usurped Hodgson's men at the top of Group B as a result, meaning they now advance in second place and face a last-16 clash with the runners-up of Group F in Nice next Monday.

England therefore gave up the chance of facing a third-placed side at the Parc des Princes, just 34 miles from their Chantilly base, and makes their route to the final look more treacherous.

Slovakia vs England ratings

Show all 14

1/14Slovakia vs England ratings

Slovakia vs England ratings

Joe Hart - 6 out of 10

Had little to do until after the break. Strong punch on free-kick early in second period and was quick to get down for Weiss shot. Saved Smalling’s blushes, clearing loose ball as Mak closed in.

Slovakia vs England ratings

Nathaniel Clyne - 8 out of 10

Linked up well with Liverpool colleague Henderson to pressurise Kyle Walker. Surged forward at will all match and had shot touched over after cutting in.

Slovakia vs England ratings

Ryan Bertrand - 6 out of 10

Given chance on left but failed to impress as much as Clyne. Drew ire, and blood, of Pekarik with flailing arm and later booked for obstructing the same player.

Slovakia vs England ratings

Gary Cahill - 6 out of 10

Gave Hodgson a scare when he briefly stayed down injured but recovered quickly. Deflected Slovak effort clear and headed wide at the other end.

Slovakia vs England ratings

Chris Smalling - 6 out of 10

Like his Chelsea partner, had precious little to do for large parts of the evening. Nearly punished for leaving ball as Mak steamed in towards the end.

Slovakia vs England ratings

Eric Dier - 8 out of 10

One of the few ‘first-choice’ players to keep place from Wales game and performance showed why. Stood up well to Slovak attacks and screened defence with ease. Shooting could do with some work.

Slovakia vs England ratings

Jordan Henderson - 6 out of 10

Failed to make most of opportunity and struggled with final ball and set-piece. Had two shots deflected and played in Vardy but prone to running down blind alleys.

Slovakia vs England ratings

Jack Wilshere - 6 out of 10

Tidy in possession and quick to win the ball back but guilty of making the wrong choices too often. Not sure whether to attack or pass at times and could have done more to impress.

Slovakia vs England ratings

Adam Lallana - 7 out of 10

Set up Henderson chance and full of running down left side, although it came to little overall effect. Can be confident of keeping his place for Monday’s second round match.

Slovakia vs England ratings

Jamie Vardy - 7 out of 10

Sent chance straight at Kozacik in opening exchanges and was full of running, closing down defenders and giving his colleagues options. But again, no end product.

Slovakia vs England ratings

Daniel Sturridge - 5 out of 10

Earned start with goal against Wales but quickly showed why he has started on the bench more often. Displayed quick feet but, as the game wore on, became anonymous. Wasted best chance when a touch would have meant a goal.

Slovakia vs England ratings

Dele Alli - 7 out of 10

Tottenham livewire brought on for final quarter and almost scored within seconds, meeting Henderson cut back with shot that was blocked on the line by Skrtel.

Getty

Slovakia vs England ratings

Wayne Rooney - 7 out of 10

Brought on early in second half and injected more urgency and composure into England’s attacks, although even they became more desperate toward the end.

Getty

Slovakia vs England ratings

Slovakia

Matus Kozacik 7 Peter Pekarik 8 Martin Skrtel 8 Jan Durica 6 Tomas Hubocan 7 Robert Mak 6 Juraj Kucka 6 Viktor Pecovsky 7 Marek Hamsik 6 Vladimir Weiss 5 Ondrej Duda 6

Getty

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Additional reporting by PA

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