England continue to coast through Euro 2016 qualifying, and given Switzerland's shocking struggles, they might have a place in the tournament locked up very soon. They weren't terrific away to Estonia on Saturday, but did enough to grab a 1-0 win, and have nine points from three games.
England vs. Estonia, Euro 2016 qualifying: Final score 1-0, Wayne Rooney hits the winner
Shaun Botterill
Most of England's best chances fell to Wayne Rooney, who wasn't great in front of goal in the first half. He had a golden opportunity when he found himself unmarked in the box when a lofted ball fell to his feet, but he volleyed over the crossbar. He had other shots miss or get blocked in the first half, while Jack Wilshere failed to make the most of a good 36th minute chance, hitting the side netting.
The game changed when Estonia defender Ragnar Klavan picked up a red card early in the second half, allowing England to set up shop in the Estonian half for the remainder of the match. However, it took them another 25 minute to score, and they got a bit lucky when they did.
Rooney will get the credit for the goal for a very good free kick that curled over the Estonian wall and towards the near post Sergei Pareiko looked to be in good position to make a save and got a hand to the ball, but couldn’t keep it out, and instead pushed it into his own net to help England to a win.
England: Hart, Baines, Jagielka, Cahill, Chambers, Wilshere, Delph (Oxlade-Chamberlain 61’), Henderson (Sterling 64’), Lallana, Welbeck (Lambert 80’), Rooney
Goals: Rooney (73’)
Estonia: Pareiko, Pikk, Klavan (red 48’), Morozov, Jääger, Mets, Zenjov (Ojamaa 79’), Vunk (Kruglov 83’), Vassiljev (Lindpere 46’), Antonov, Anier
Goals: None
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