Slovakia defender Jan Durica has made the astonishing claim that England’s win in Trnava on Sunday was fixed.
Sam Allardyce’s side secured a dramatic victory in their opening World Cup qualifying clash thanks to Adam Lallana’s goal with virtually the last kick of the game.
The Slovaks, however, were forced to play the final 33 minutes with 10 men after Martin Skrtel was sent off having received two yellow cards, both for fouls on Harry Kane.
The first incident saw Skrtel appear to elbow the Tottenham star while his second booking was for a clear stamp on the England centre forward.
Nevertheless, Durica – Skrtel’s central defensive partner – has made the startling accusation that Sunday night’s encounter was rigged while also claiming there is a wider conspiracy to ensure England qualify out of Group F.
‘There is only one place at the World Cup. Why should Slovakia go there when we have England in the group?,’ said Durica.
‘Of course, they will always prefer the stronger team. Probably, the referee exactly knew how to do it.’
‘Today we might have played more than England.’
Kane, when asked about the incident leading to Skrtel’s second yellow card, added: ‘I felt the stamp. The ankle is OK now. I will have a check on it and see if it’s fully OK, but there were a few challenges that I felt could have earned him a yellow card but it didn’t come.
‘It was just a matter of time, it was a silly thing for him to do because he was on a yellow. The ref has seen it and it deserved another yellow card.’
The result leaves England joint top of Group F after their opening game, behind Scotland on goal difference.
The Scots won 5-1 away at Malta – England’s next opponents. Allardyce’s men host the minnows on October 8, travel to Slovenia three days later and take on Scotland at Wembley in November.
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