England have been knocked out of
Euro 2016 after a 2-1 defeat by
Iceland in one of the biggest shocks in
European Championship history.
Wayne Rooney gave
Roy Hodgson's side a fourth-minute lead from the penalty spot at the
Allianz Arena on Monday, but two goals in 12 minutes turned the match in Iceland's favour, setting up a quarter-final clash against
France.
Ragnar Sigurdsson got them back on level terms (six) before a mistake by
Joe Hart allowed a tame shot from
Kolbeinn Sigthorsson to put the minnows in front (18).
Joe Hart allowed Sigthorsson's shot to put Iceland in front after 18 minutes
Joe Hart allowed Sigthorsson's shot to put Iceland in front after 18 minutes
Harry Kane headed straight at Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson in the second half but England barely threatened his goal as their tournament ended with a whimper.
Defeat in such ignominious circumstances means the inquest into their elimination will now begin, with manager
Hodgson confirming his resignation minutes after the final whistle.
Meanwhile, Iceland's fairytale tournament continues and they can look forward to a quarter-final meeting with host nation France at the
Stade de France on Sunday.
Ragnar Sigurdsson (centre, obscured) celebrates Iceland's second goal against England
Ragnar Sigurdsson (centre, obscured) celebrates Iceland's second goal against England
Hodgson made six changes from the goalless draw against
Slovakia, opting to recall
Raheem Sterling, and the winger earned England an early penalty, latching on to
Daniel Sturridge's pass before tumbling under the challenge of Halldorsson.
And
Rooney, on the occasion he equalled
David Beckham's record of 115 England caps for an outfield player, made no mistake from 12 yards.
Wayne Rooney opened the scoring from the penalty spot
Wayne Rooney opened the scoring from the penalty spot
England were ahead for just 84 seconds as an
Aron Gunnarsson long throw was flicked on by
Kari Arnason and turned home by Ragnar Sigurdsson.
It got better for Iceland 12 minutes later when Sigthorsson slotted his side in front, leaving England stunned. The
Nantes striker was allowed too much space on the edge of the box but
Hart, who got a hand to the shot, allowed it to squirm over the line.
England dominated possession as in previous matches but once again struggled to carve out chances.
Harry Kane (right) competes with
Johann Gudmundsson
Harry Kane (right) competes with Johann Gudmundsson
A volley from
Kane forced Halldorsson into a smart save while
Chris Smalling headed over from close range at the back post, but Iceland's stubborn rear-guard comfortably saw in half-time.
Jack Wilshere and
Jamie Vardy were introduced after the break but Iceland created the second half's first big opportunity when Hart denied Ragnar Sigurdsson's overhead kick from point-blank range.
Dele Alli misfired from 12 yards as
England's frustrations mounted and time ticked away; Iceland succeeding in forcing their opponents into hopeful shots from distance.
Dele Alli looks on following Iceland's second goal
Dele Alli looks on following Iceland's second goal
A cute pass from Wilshere presented Kane with his clearest opportunity with
11 minutes to play, but the
Tottenham striker placed his header straight at Halldorsson.
Gunnarsson had the chance to exacerbate England's embarrassment, breaking through on goal and holding off the challenge of Wilshere, but the
Cardiff City midfielder saw his effort palmed clear by Hart.
Roy Hodgson will face questions over his future as
England manager after the defeat to Iceland
Roy Hodgson will face questions over his future as England manager after the defeat to Iceland
Vardy almost nabbed a dramatic leveller in stoppage time but fantastic defending by Arnason re-directed the striker's header out for a corner.
The final whistle was greeted by jubilant celebrations by the Iceland players and staff, while England's players were left dejected and Hodgson headed straight down the tunnel.
England vs Iceland,
england vs iceland live,
england vs iceland live stream,
england vs iceland predictions,
england vs iceland odds,
england vs iceland online,
england vs iceland history,
england vs iceland 2004,
england vs iceland football,
england vs iceland basketball,
- published: 27 Jun 2016
- views: 77