England ended their World Cup qualifying on a low as they played out a 0-0 draw with Slovenia.

It was a bright start from Gareth Southgate's side with chances from Daniel Sturridge, Roman Bezjak and Benjamin Verbic but neither could find the net.

Jasmin Kurtic almost gave the home side the lead early in the second period, which was followed by half-chances from Andros Townsend, Josip Llicic, Danny Rose, Sturridge, Wayne Rooney and Jesse Lingard, but the deadlock was never broken.

Starting brightly

England were looking to carry on their 100 percent record in qualifying after their 2-0 win over Malta, and had good chances in the opening minutes to take the lead.

The first chance came two minutes in. Dele Alli put Sturridge through down the right-hand side, but he curled it just wide of the post.

Sturridge was put through again moments later, however Jan Oblak  came flying off his line to prevent the striker.

It was difficult to see how Slovenia didn't take the lead just 11 minutes into the contest. A horrific back pass from Eric Dier looked to have handed Bezjak a golden opportunity, but Joe Hart was out to make a good save.

The ball eventually found it's way to Verbic on the edge of the area, and his curling effort looked to have beaten Hart, but clattered off the post.

Above; Joe Hart making his great save in England's 0-0 draw with Slovenia | Photo: Getty Images
Above; Joe Hart making his great save in England's 0-0 draw with Slovenia | Photo: Getty Images

One out of top draw

Verbic's effort was the last one in the opening 45 minutes that was worthy of any recognition, and they should of taken the lead just after the restart.

Kurtic looked to have Srečko Katanec's side the lead with his faint flick, but Hart did brilliantly to get across to the top corner to flick the ball onto the crossbar.

Looking for a breakthrough

Southgate made some changes as he looked to grab the three points, with Townsend coming on for Theo Walcott and the winger almost made an instant impact.He did well to cut inside from the left and try an effort from 22 yards but Oblak did well to push it clear.

Slovenia were handed another golden opportunity, as captain Jordan Henderson played another bad back pass. This time it found Llicic but again Hart was there to block the effort.  

Time running out

England were starting to get desperate as the clocked ticked down, and had some good opportunities to snatch the victory.

Rose did well to make a burst into the area, but the angle proved too much as he lashed it into the side netting.

That was followed by another good run from Sturridge but decided to go for goal despite the help of Rooney, but it was straight at Oblak.

It was then the turn of the returning captain to have a go with ten minutes to play, he tried an effort from 22 yards but it curled just wide of the mark.

The final chance of the match came seven minutes from the end, as Rooney set up club teammate Lingard, but his lashed effort was straight at Oblak.

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About the author
Danial  Kennedy
Award-winning sports journalism graduate. Currently studying a PR Masters at the University of Sunderland. Writing for VAVEL since August 2014. Twitter - @ddkjournalism.