England has one foot in the door for qualification to FIFA 2018 World Cup with a win over Slovakia 2 -1 on Monday. Rashford's 59th-minute goal means England are close to joining the likes of Brazil, Iran, Japan, Mexico, Belgium, Germany and World Cup host nation Russia, to take part in next year's FIFA World Cup.

It was a nervy match, with Slovakia scoring after just three minutes, immediately putting the pressure on the hosts. Defeat to Slovakia would have meant that Gareth Southgate's side would have fallen to second place in Group F. The 67,823 supporters in Wembley stadium certainly didn't want that.

However, much to the relief of the home support, Eric Dier turned in a corner on 38 minutes to level the score. Marcus Rashford continued to threaten throughout the match and was rewarded with a vital goal 14 minutes before the final whistle blew.

England now only need two points from their remaining two games to secure a place in next year's World Cup, after moving five points clear at the top of their Group F qualifications.

Room for improvement

Despite coming away from this international break with two back-to-back wins, there are signs that things are not all smooth sailing for England.

Their 4-0 victory over Malta on Friday, September 1, was not as convincing as the score line suggests. On paper, England is a far superior side to Malta, however, they struggled to break down their opposition.

A late flurry of goals towards the end of the match was the only saving grace for the team.

Signs to break down the opposing team continued against Slovakia. Rashford was preferred in attack as oppose to Raheem Sterling, but it was Rashford's loss of possession that leads to Slovakia's opening goal.

England seemed shocked by the surprise opening goal but managed to pull back an equaliser when Rashford's low corner found the feet of Tottenham-man Eric Dier.

His first-time shot rose over Lobotka and hit the roof of the net.

Looking ahead

England must now concentrate on their two remaining World Cup qualifying games and learn from their mistakes.

They first host Slovenia on Thursday, October 5, then travel to second-to-bottom side Lithuania on Sunday, October 8. England only requires two more points from these games to secure a place in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Already qualified

Russia, as the host nation, already have an automatic qualification to the FIFA 2018 World Cup.

Joining them are South American side Brazil, Iran, Japan and Mexico. On top of this, more European sides have qualified after this short international break. Belgium became the first European side to qualify from the group stages, and was followed shortly after by Switzerland, Portugal, Germany, and Northern Ireland,