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England had to settle for second place in Group B as they were held to a goalless draw by Slovakia in Saint-Etienne. England had gone into the match as group leaders but they could not make the pressure pay against Slovakia and, with Wales beating Russia 3-0, they have to settle for second, with Slovakia finishing third with four points. England boss Roy Hodgson made six changes from the 2-1 win over Wales, including the decision to rest captain Wayne Rooney and bringing Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge into the attack. The changes brought little change to England's fortunes, though, during a first half that saw them once more dominate possession but struggle to make it count. They did have chances. Vardy, who scored after coming on as a substitute against Wales, had the first sight of goal when he diverted a Nathaniel Clyne cross over the bar. Vardy then set up Daniel Sturridge -- scorer of the winner in that match -- but the Liverpool striker's shot was blocked in front of the goal-line by Peter Pekarik, who later suffered significant bleeding after being caught by Ryan Bertrand's forearm. Jordan Henderson was then allowed time to control, swivel and shoot in the area with a quarter of an hour played, but his shot was blocked. Two minutes later, Vardy was played through and got a shot away despite the close attentions of Martin Skrtel, but he was denied by Slovakia keeper Matus Kozacik. On 33 minutes, Adam Lallana was given a free shot near the penalty spot, but his shot was palmed away, and England once more went in at half-time without having scored. Slovakia improved after the break, and on 52 minutes they were nearly handed the advantage when Chris Smalling made an ill-advised attempt to chest the ball back to Joe Hart only for Robert Mak to sneak in, but the PAOK attacker could not steer it toward goal. At the other end, Clyne got behind the defence and fired in a shot from the right but his effort was saved by Kozacik. Vladimir Weiss then had a chance when a deflection fell kindly, but Hart was able to make the save at his near post. With Wales 2-0 up against Russia in Group B's other match, England required a victory to top the group and Hodgson opted to introduce Rooney and Dele Alli from the bench for Wilshere and Lallana. Alli almost made the difference with his first touch, steering a Jordan Henderson cross toward goal, but Skrtel was able to deflect it over the bar. On 73 minutes, Eric Dier clipped a ball over the defence for Sturridge, but the striker could not make contact to send it into the net. Shortly afterwards, Hodgson brought on Harry Kane to replace Sturridge, while Slovakia looked to shore up their defence with Sampdoria centre-back Milan Skriniar replacing Weiss. The final minutes saw England throwing numbers forward as they tried to force a late winner but they could find no way through and may now have to contend with more daunting opposition in the round of 16.
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