Marcus Rashford hits glorious winner as England move to brink of World Cup finals

England moved one win away from the World Cup finals in Russia with a battling 2-1 victory over Slovakia at Wembley.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford was culpable in handing Slovakia the lead, but responded to deliver the assist and goal which mean that England need just two more points to be certain of qualify for next summer’s World Cup.

Slovakia surprised England with a fast start, and when Stanislav Lobotka caught Rashford in possession, he exchanged passes with Adam Nemec while various defenders dreamed dreams, and beat Joe Hart, who sold himself to make sure.

Gradually, though, England worked their way back into the match and on 38 minutes Rashford’s corner found Eric Dier unmarked at the near post, and he swept a fine finish high past Martin Dubravka at the near post.

In the second half, England dominated with Dele All to the fore, and just before the hour, he started a move which also involved Dier and Jordan Henderson; the ball was then moved onto Rashford, who drove an excellent winner low into the far corner from outside the box.

Slovakia could muster little in response; if anything, England ought to have extended their advantage.

But they will be happy with the points, especially after how they started, and even more so given they actually played quite well - though they have plenty more improving to do if they are to make an impression in Russia.

How do England improve? England have a serviceable defence and some excellent attackers, but they will not be able to compete against the better sides if they do not find a better balance in midfield. The return of Adam Lallana will help, but will that be enough? In the meantime, Southgate must find a way of extracting the maximum from Rashford, Alli and Harry Kane.

Marcus Rashford (England) Though he was entitled to expect more help from his team-mates thereafter, his error was nevertheless instrumental in handing Slovakia a goal. He responded magnificently, never hiding, never panicking, and making England's first goal before - brilliantly - scoring their second himself.

The goal that England conceded was their first at home, in a competitive fixture, since they beat Slovenia 3-1 in November 2012.

Marcus Rashford has made a goal in each of his last two internationals, after making none in his nine previous appearances.

England: Hart 5, Walker 5, Jones 6, Cahill 6, Bertrand 6, Henderson 6, Dier 6, Rashford 8, Alli 7, Oxlade-Chamberlain 5, Kane 5. Subs: Sterling 6, Welbeck 6, Livermore 6.

Slovakia: Dubravka 6, Pekarik 6, Skrtel 5, Durika 6, Hubocan 5, Lobotka 7, Skriniar 6, Weiss 5, Hamsik 5, Mak 5, Nemec 5. subs: Rusnak 6, Duris 6, Duda 6.

3’ - GOAL! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! England 0-1 Slovakia (Lobotka) Rashford gets possession maybe 25 yards from hos own goal and megs Hubocan. What a player! But Lobotka then robs him, nips a pass into Nemec, controls the beautiful chipped return beautifully, and confidently plants a finish past Hart. That's that fast start Glenn was telling us about.

38’ - GOAL! England 1-1 Slovakia (Dier) Rashford swipes the corner to the near post - it's not an especially good one, bouncing in front of Dier - but Nemec isn't concentrating, so loses him, and he flicks an excellent finish, Sheringham-style, high inside the near post.

44’ - Rashford takes the ball on the left and moves infield, makes with his eyes like he's going to switch play, and swipes just wide of the near post instead. He's looking dangerous now.

47’ - Lovely from England, Henderson finding Alli down the left, and he moves it on for Rashford, whose lovely flicks plays him back in. He shoots, and the ball bounces out for Henderson on the edge of the box, but he can only lash ineptly wide.

55’ - Hamsik releases Mak down the left and he crosses low, but Cahill does well to slide in and intercept. Hamsik, though, then crosses to the back post, where Nemec rams a shot goalwards; Hart does well to strongarm it away, though it was straight at him.

57’ - Kane wriggles space down the right of the box and cuts inside Hubocan then smashes a low cross. Dubrovka palms away, and the ball flashes at Alli, who can't react in time to jab home.

59’ - WHAT A GOAL! England 2-1 Slovakia (Rashford) Amazingly, that was coming! England work the ball really well, Alli finding space and popping off to Dier, who finds Henderson, who finds Rashford. 20 yards out, he takes a touch, has a look, and whips a marvellous low shot into the far corner. At fault for the Slovakia goal, Marcus Rashford is a touch! A touch and a star!