Iceland stun Engloand 2-1 to reach quarters. Twitter[/caption]Internet Desk: England are out of Euro 2016 after capitulating to one of the worst humiliations in their football history as they were knocked out by the incredible fairytale minnows of Iceland.
They deserved to be going home, too, out-though and out-played by an Iceland team with more intelligence, organisation and discipline.
For manager Roy Hodgson it is surely the end of his time in charge of the national side. He cannot survive this shock exit, not after a night when his team performed so miserably.
Even the impetus of an early goal after four minutes failed to spark England. They defended abominably to concede two cheap goals to Iceland and then could not break down a magnificently determined opposition defence.
The start of the match was astonishing. England had the lead inside four minutes as Raheem Sterling won a penalty when brought down in the area and Wayne Rooney scored from the spot.
An early goal was supposed to be crucial, putting Hodgson’s team in charge of the match against limited opponents.
Too many teams have been guilty of under-estimating Iceland in recent times --- and they were level within three minutes from one of their specialities, a long throw-in.
England’s defence was hopeless as the ball was flicked on and Iceland defender Ragnar Sigurdsson free to tap home in front of an open goal.
After 18 minutes the Icelanders were 2-1 ahead thanks to more horrible defending by Hodgson’s side.
The defence was sliced open by a simple passing move, and striker Kolbeinn Sigthorsson allowed room on the edge of the box to shoot. Keeper Joe Hart should have saved the side-foot shot, but could only push into the net.
It was his third blunder in this tournament, but he wasn’t the only culprit here.
Rooney’s performance was miles below his best; his passing horribly wayward and lacking a captain’s composure. He didn’t finish the match.
The team suffered with him, playing with anxiety and fear.
Chances in the second half were few even with the introduction of Jack Wilshere and Jamie Vardy. They kept trying over-ambitious passes rather than hold their nerve and stay patient.
The result seemed inevitable long before the final whistle sounded on the nightmare in Nice.
Iceland will now face hosts France in the quarter-finals.
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