- Title: SOCCER-EURO/SLOVENIA-ENGLAND Hodgson pleased after England win in Slovenia
- Date: 14th June 2015
- Summary: LJUBJANA, SLOVENIA (JUNE 14, 2015) (REUTERS) ENGLAND MANAGER ROY HODGSON TAKING SEAT AT NEWS CONFERENCE (SOUNDBITE) (English) ENGLAND MANAGER, ROY HODGSON, SAYING: "We like to think that the team spirit is getting better. The mere fact that you chose 24 players in the middle of what is normally regarded as player's holidays, and all 24 turn up and work very hard during a t
- Embargoed: 29th June 2015 13:00
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- Location: Slovenia
- Country: Slovenia
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVA23JSNMNE9FQ6A5L02KVDHYHE5
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: England manager Roy Hodgson delighted with his side's response to going behind as they fought back twice to defeat Slovenia 3-2 to remain top of their Group in Euro 2016 qualifying.
England striker Wayne Rooney moved within one goal of equalling their all-time scoring record when his late goal secured the win and kept up the Group E leaders' 100 percent record in qualifying.
Jack Wilshere earlier twice smashed the ball into the top corner from outside the area, his first international goals, as England moved within touching distance of the finals in France with 18 points from six Group E games, nine above second-placed Slovenia.
Milivoje Novakovic had coolly given the hosts a 37th-minute lead after a series of England errors and Nejc Pecnik made it 2-2 late on before a defensive howler set up Rooney for his 48th England goal, one behind record holder Bobby Charlton.
Hodgson said he was pleased with the spirit of his team, especially at the end of a busy season.
"We like to think that the team spirit is getting better. The mere fact that you chose 24 players in the middle of what is normally regarded as player's holidays, and all 24 turn up and work very hard during a ten day period and, as you saw today, they didn't leave much on the field in terms of their effort and determination. So, we are very happy about those things," he said at a news conference after the game.
He was also delighted with his team's ability to come back from being a goal behind.
"We are going to have to come back (from a goal down) sometimes, if you are going to become a good football team. We are going to make mistakes, technical mistakes sometimes, tactical mistakes sometimes, and we are going to concede goals. And, if every time we concede a goal we can't get back and win the game then it is going to be problematic. It is very, very hard to go through long periods of time never conceding a goal. We all know it is a good way to win games, keeping a clean sheet, of course, but it is easier said than done," said a jovial Hodgson after England finished their season undefeated.
England's good form represents a positive turnaround after a very disappointing World Cup campaign that saw them leave Brazil in the group stages and without a win to their name.
However, they have now gone ten matches undefeated, the first time England have managed the feat since 1990-91.
"From starting off again, eight wins and two draws, that's not been done, I don't think, for well over 20 years. I think the players deserve some credit for that. Certainly they get a lot of credit from me for that. And now we just have got to keep building on it. And when you're on an unbeaten run, you're very anxious to keep that unbeaten run going, and that's what we all should be doing," said Hodgson.
Rooney missed several chances during the match, and was clattered by Slovenian captain Bostjan Cesar late in the game. However, the Manchester United striker kept his cool and finished the match in the 86th minute with a calm finish past Sami Handanovic.
Hodgson said Rooney's performance showed that England could rely on their talismanic striker.
"Wayne Rooney's performance today said a lot of things about him as a man, I think. I mean, just before he took that goal chance he took a nasty blow from an elbow, which could have decked many a player and what's more could have caused him to lose his discipline, and he didn't because he was immediately up and concentrating on his job and his role in the team. And the fact that one or two chances have gone begging, when he got a chance there with the goalkeeper he put it away with aplomb. That also goes to show that we can rely on that man."
"I would have liked to see him get a hat trick today, so all the talk of the record would have been finished, but he's got plenty of time and maybe it will give me something to talk about in the months ahead," added Hodgson coyly.
Despite the loss, Slovenia played well and we only minutes away from securing a historic draw with their illustrious opponents.
The loss means Slovenia are now nine points behind England, but will be hopeful they can claim second place above Switzerland and Estonia.
Manager Srecko Katanec said he was proud of his players.
"First of all, I want to congratulate my players who gave their maximum, in terms of their abilities. Secondly, it was a deserved victory for England if we consider the entire 90 minutes of the match and the chances they missed. But I am sorry because of the fact that five minutes before the final whistle, when the result was still 2-2, we made mistakes that we can't afford at this level - beginner's mistakes," he said.
England have all but booked their passage to France next year, with the top two teams from each group qualifying automatically for the final tournament. Slovenia, however, face Switzerland in Berne next time out, knowing the winner will likely be joining England in France. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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