England secures World Cup spot with win over Slovenia

The English national team sealed their qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia on Tuesday, after defeating Slovenia 1-0 with a goal from Harry Kane in stoppage time that couldn't disguise the lack of brilliance from the English team.

Unable to provide any rhythm in ball circulation, England's game quickly turned into a pointless rondo, completely ineffective in creating any space against Slovenia's well-positioned defense.

The only one who dared to take risks in one-on-one situations, the only one willing to attempt dribbles, in short, the only one capable of taking on his opponent, was the young Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.

However, Rashford failed to convert his audacity into goal-scoring opportunities, hindered by his lack of accuracy when serving the ball to his teammates after evading his defender.

In fact, England's best chance came from a failed cross attempt by Marcus Rashford in the 26th minute that, despite not reaching its intended recipient, ended up at the feet of Jordan Henderson, who forced Atletico Madrid's Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak to make a great save.

England offered little else in the first half, much like Slovenia, who seemed to realize well into the second half that a draw wouldn't be enough to stay in the race for a World Cup spot.

This forced Slovenia to push forward in the second half, allowing the English team to finally enjoy the spaces they need to display their game.

With room to run into, Southgate's team managed to create three clear goal-scoring opportunities between the 63rd and 68th minutes, but neither Raheem Sterling, nor Rashford, who wasted a quick counter-attack with a failed chip, nor Harry Kane were able to score.

However, Kane didn't miss his next chance, after taking advantage of a cross from the right wing by Kyle Walker in stoppage time to secure England's qualification with the definitive 1-0 in the 94th minute.