2018 World Cup qualifier: Rashford stars as England beat Slovakia 2-1

England survived a scare as they came from behind to beat Slovakia at Wembley and take a giant stride towards qualification for next summer’s World Cup in Russia.

Stanislav Lobotka took advantage of sloppy defensive work to put Slovakia ahead after just three minutes – the start of a shoddy first-half display by Gareth Southgate’s side.

Marcus Rashford was culpable in conceding possession for the goal but recovered superbly to inspire England to a win that leaves them five points clear at the top of Group F with just two rounds of games to play.

Rashford’s clever near-post corner was swept in by Eric Dier eight minutes before half-time, and the Manchester United teenager was England’s match-winner as he powered a superb shot past Slovakia keeper Martin Dubravka after 59 minutes.

England can confirm their place in Russia with victory against Slovenia at Wembley in their next qualifier on 5 October.

England – and this is perhaps flattering them – were colourless, joyless and largely mediocre for the first 45 minutes.

Gareth Southgate’s side were stunned by Lobotka’s early goal and a Slovakia side that came out swinging from the first whistle.

And yet, for all the paucity of quality and invention of that first half, England deserve credit for the manner in which they dug themselves out of a whole in a nervous atmosphere.

England, obviously, are nowhere near the international game’s top tier but they showed character and resilience to get the job done without suggesting at any point they might make a serious impact at next summer’s finals.

In many ways it was a display typical of England’s progress through this group, keeping themselves in control of their own destiny without ever touching the heights – while doing Scotland a favour into the bargain.

It was another case of job done. And another step nearer Russia.