Euro 2016: Russia’s Berezutski breaks England’s hearts

England has been made to regret missed opportunities after being held to a 1-1 draw by Russia in their opening match of Euro 2016 in Marseille on Saturday night.
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Eric Dier netted a 73rd-minute free kick to deservedly send the Three Lions one goal ahead in the Group B clash, but experienced defender Vasili Berezutski scored a header two minutes into second-half stoppage time to secure a point for Russia.
The first half-chance of the match fell to England inside four minutes, but Dele Alli could not find the target with a half-volley from just outside the Russian penalty box.
Less than two minutes later, Alli again came close for England after meeting a cross from Raheem Sterling, but the youngster’s header was always moving wide and it just would not fall for Harry Kane at the far post.
Russia’s first sight of goal came in the 17th minute when Sergei Ignashevich met a free kick from the right, but the centre-back’s header was always straight into the arms of the waiting Hart, who had a very comfortable first period.
The best chance of the opening 22 minutes fell to Lallana after excellent work from Alli and Kyle Walker down the right, but the Liverpool midfielder could only place his effort wide of the post. Moments later, Sterling broke through on the Russia goal, only to be thwarted by a wonderful challenge from full-back Igor Smolnikov.
Super work from Alli then presented Rooney with a shooting chance 10 minutes before the break, but the skipper’s effort was straight at Akinfeev, who had a busy first period in Marseille.
England remained comfortably the dominant force as the first period drew to a close, but smart goalkeeping from Akinfeev continued to keep the Three Lions at bay as the pair entered the interval at 0-0.
Russia again came close through Fyodor Smolov in the 63rd minute as the number 10 just missed the post with a long-range effort, before England enjoyed another strong spell in the final third of the field.
England were ahead in the 73rd minute, however, when Dier found the top corner with a free kick after Alli had been fouled in a dangerous position just outside the Russian box.
Both managers made changes in the minutes that followed as the Group B clash entered its final 10 minutes, but England remained in control against a Russia side that looked short of inspiration in the final third.
There was to be one more piece of drama, however, as Russia levelled in the second minute of stoppage time courtesy of a header from Berezutski, who had risen above Danny Rose at the far post.
Next up for England is a clash with Wales on Thursday afternoon in Lens, while Russia will take on Slovakia one day earlier.