Rashford put England on the brink of qualification

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 dig deep to show character

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.

Rashford shows temperament as well as talent

Rashford’s livewire performance as a substitute in Malta earned him a deserved start here – and he recovered from a poor opening to show temperament and character as well as the very obvious quality he possesses.

The Manchester United forward was guilty of conceding possession cheaply as Slovakia took the lead, a mistake that could easily have led to the 19-year-old’s confidence being affected on such an important occasion.

Not a bit of it.

Rashford continued to run fearlessly at pace at Slovakia’s defence and was willing to make bold decisions in a bid to get England back into the game.

It paid off – his quick thinking as he took a near-post corner leading to Dier’s sweeping finish for the equaliser, before he finally gave England the measure of control they had struggled to exert with a fine shot into the corner just before the hour.

Rashford was given a rousing ovation when he went off eight minutes from time – and it was fully deserved for the man who made the difference.

England on the brink – but so far away

England stand on the brink of World Cup qualification with a five-point advantage and two games left – at home to Slovenia and away to Lithuania.

It has been relatively comfortable progress but carries all the familiar dangers of qualification for Euro 2012, the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and Euro 2016 in France last summer.

England have not come under serious pressure or been tested by top-class opposition – and yet even in that context they have barely been convincing.

Southgate still has until next summer to try to fashion further development of this England squad – but on current evidence none of the World Cup superpowers will be breaking into a sweat about their threat.