3 things we learned from England’s 3-2 win over Slovenia in Euro 2016 qualifying

England look bound for Euro 2016 in comfortable fashion after Sunday’s result, but they didn’t make it easy on themselves. The Three Lions left it late away to Slovenia, and needed a dramatic late winner to clinch a 3-2 victory.

The visitors were well on top early, but missed some big chances. Raheem Sterling missed a sitter in the first 10 minutes and Wayne Rooney was denied by a brilliant Samir Handanovic save in the 22nd. Slovenia were struggling to create, but went into halftime up 1-0 thanks to a brilliant counter-attack and some inept England defending. Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling completely lost track ofMilivoje Novakovic as he ran onto a through ball from Josep Ilicic, and he placed a composed finish past Joe Hart.

Roy Hodgson made a change at halftime, bringing on Adam Lallana for Phil Jones, and the Liverpool man made all the difference for his side. He wasn’t credited with the assist on the equalizer, but he made it, beating multiple players before a Slovenian defender got a toe on the ball. Unfortunately for the hosts, the ball only got as far as Jack Wilshere, who hit an excellent shot into the back of the net from the edge of the box.

Wilshere’s second goal was even better, as was Lallana’s assist. The substitute played the ball to Wilshere with a gorgeous backheel flick, and the Arsenal midfielder stepped into his shot and scored a goal even prettier than his first.

England looked to be coasting to victory until Slovenia struck back in the 84th minute through Nejc Pečnik, who beat Hart with a gorgeous towering header. But three minutes later, the Slovenian defense crumbled. An attempted through ball by Theo Walcott deflected off a Slovenian defender and fell perfectly for Rooney, who finished a one-on-one coolly to fire his team to victory.

Goals: Novakovic (37’), Pecnik (84’)

Goals: Wilshere (57’, 73’), Rooney (86’)

1. Rooney and Wilshere were outstanding - They’ve been wildly up and down for club and country over the past two years, but Rooney and Wilshere looked like the best versions of themselves in this game -- and did even without the goals. Rooney was England’s most effective attacking player in the first half by a mile and Wilshere won the ball back to start the move for the winner.

2. What does Roy Hodgson have against Nathaniel Clyne? - The Lallana sub was inspired, but it’s strange that Hodgson started the game with Phil Jones, then waited until the 85th to put Clyne on. He’s England’s best right back by some distance and deserves to be in the starting lineup.

3. Play Phil Jagielka or a kid - Smalling was the more at fault of the two center backs on the opening goal, and wasn’t in great position on the second either. He’s not a young player anymore -- he’s 25, has 18 England caps, and has been at Manchester United for five years. He should be considered not quite good enough until he clearly proves otherwise for his club. Hodgson either needs to turn to Jagielka or to one of his kids, like John Stones or Eric Dier. Playing Smalling appears to have minimal upside.