England trail Slovenia 1-0 at the break in their Euro 2016 qualifier after a strike from Milivoje Novakovic handed the home side the lead at the Stozice Stadium.

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The Three Lions had a great chance to take the lead in the third minute as Raheem Sterling latched on to Wayne Rooney's ball over the top of the Slovenia defence, but he guided his effort just over the bar.

Sterling threatened again when he collected a pass from Rooney and raided down the left. The winger cut back on to his right foot and drilled a low effort towards goal, but his strike went inches past the post.

Rooney came within inches of handing England the lead when he fired a left-footed strike from the edge of the box towards the bottom corner, but Samir Handanovic produced a fine stop to palm the ball past the post.

Roy Hodgson's men continued to dominate possession as the half progressed and Andros Townsend tried his luck from distance with a low effort, but Handanovic was able to make a comfortable save.

However, despite England's dominance Slovenia took the lead in the 37th minute when Novakovic latched on to a through ball played from deep and held his composure to slide the ball past Joe Hart.

Written by
Simon Sinclair