Last-gasp Berezutski header denies England victory
The Russia captain outjumped Danny Rose inside the penalty area, looping a header over Joe Hart into the far corner – despite Denis Glushakov's best efforts to steal the goal on the line. It silenced the masses of England fans, who were in good voice thanks to Eric Dier's wonderful free-kick with a little over a quarter of an hour remaining.
It was a case of what might have been for Roy Hodgson's men on a clammy, close night in Marseille. They dominated for long spells, penning their opponents back. Spurred on by Wayne Rooney – deployed in central midfield – and thrusting right-back Kyle Walker, they twice tested Igor Akinfeev before the break through Adam Lallana.
Russia only had one effort on target in that time, when Sergei Ignashevich headed straight at Hart from Oleg Shatov's free-kick. Leonid Slutski's charges carried a greater threat in the second period, although it was England who seemed to have landed the decisive blow, soon after the busy Akinfeev had parried a measured Rooney effort against the crossbar.
Berezutski, 33, had other ideas, meeting Igor Smolnikov's ball from the left to earn Russia an unlikely point. It means England have still never won their opening game in a EURO finals.
Goalscorer Eric Dier looks at England positives
Man of the Match: Eric Dier
Credit: UEFA.com
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