England were held to a goalless draw against Slovakia last night that saw Wales usurp them at the top of the Group B standings, but coach Roy Hodgson has defended his squad selection. 

Hodgson rested six players for the tie, but the decision looks to have backfired as the side are now on a collision course with France following a costly draw.

‘We brought players on and thought we kept up our domination but I’m not so certain it would have made a vast difference had they started,’ said Hodgson.

‘If we had won the game people would say we didn’t miss them [the players who were left out] and when we don’t, they say the team selection is wrong. I am used to that one.’

Hodgson has been criticised for starting Jack Wilshere and dropping Wayne Rooney for he clash. Nevertheless, the coach remains adamant his side had complete control of the game.

‘We didn’t take our chances. Finishing second in the group is disappointing but we are still in the Last 16,’ he added.

‘It’s like that when you dominate three games like we have done but we only managed to win one. I’ve got to say there’s not much more we can do — we dominated the game from start to finish.’