Hodgson – ‘We will make someone pay’

England boss Roy Hodgson insists his side will eventually dish out a ‘tough result’ in the knockout stages of Euro 2016 despite their 0-0 draw with Slovakia on Monday night.

The former Liverpool coach made six changes from the team that beat Wales on Thursday, much to the disgust of some sections of the media and team’s fanbase.

The Three Lions, 11.00 to win the tournament, had plenty of chances to win the match but the likes of Jamie Vardy, Daniel Sturridge and Dele Alli were all denied.

Monday’s result ensured England finished second in Group B, with Wales beating Russia 3-0 to top the group. England will now play the runners-up of Group F, with Portugal, Hungary, Iceland and Austria all still in with a chance of qualifying.

Sceptics claim England will struggle as the competition progresses but Hodgson insists his team are close to finding their best form in front of goal after the Slovakia stalemate.

He told reporters: “We’re not doomed yet. We can’t do much more, we dominated the game from start to finish, we had so many chances and one day we will put them away. I can’t fault the effort and work of the players. “It is a little bit embarrassing – it has been attack versus defence in all three games and I never thought I’d see England dominate three games like we have done. “Sooner or later we will get the reward for our play. Someone might find themselves on the end of a tough result. Soon we will make someone pay.”