Marcus Rashford's late strike steered England to a 2-1 win over Slovakia on Monday. Elsewhere, Scotland continued their fine run to the qualifying round as they beat Malta 2-0. In Group E, Poland cemented their grip on the group as they beat Kazakhstan 3-0 on Monday night. Here's a quick summary of these World Cup qualifying games:
England 2, Slovakia 1
Three Lions of England continues to lead Group F as they used two goals from Eric Dier and Marcus Rashford to seal a crucial home win over Slovakia at the Wembley Stadium in London. However, Slovakia played well in the encounter as they firmly barricaded their defense line and attempted several goal bound chances.
England had to depend on Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford's effort to snatch maximum points at home.
England is on the summit of the group with twenty points, trailing behind them is Slovakia, with fifteen points. In their next fixtures, England will play host to Slovenia on October 5, while Slovakia will face Scotland the same day at Hampden Park in Glasgow.
Scotland 2, Malta 0
Scotland remains in the running for Russia 2018 as they humbled Malta to a 2-0 win at the Hampden Park, Glasgow on Monday night. Gordon Strachan's side gained absolute control in the encounter and launched several offensive assaults on Malta's half. Leigh Griffiths' brace was just good enough for Scotland to earn all three points in front their home crowd.
Malta has yet to register a win in the World Cup Qualifying round, and they've so far lost all their games in the group. With this home win, Scotland is third with eleven points. Group F minnow Malta is at the cellar of Group F with no point. In their upcoming fixutres, Scotland will take on Slovakia on October 5. The same day, Malta will play host to Lithuania at the National Stadium, Ta' Qali.
Poland 3, Kazakhstan 0
Poland outran Kazakhstan 3-0 at Stadion Narodowy, Warsaw to stay atop of Group E. Goals from Arkadiusz Milik (11'), Kamil Glik (74') and Robert Lewandowski (86' pen) ensured Poland earn maximum points at home and boost their chances of reaching Russia 2018. Kazakhstan's style of play in the match was largely defensive, and they barely launched attacks on Poland's box.
With this result, Poland is on the summit of the group with nineteen points, while Kazakhstan are at the bottom with just two points. Poland will face Armenia on October 5 at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium, Yerevan, while Kazakhstan will take on Romania the same day at Ilie Oană Stadium in Ploiești.
