Chris Smalling admits England have to improve if they are to virtually secure claim a place at the Euro 2016 finals with a win in Slovenia. Roy Hodgson's team lacked a cutting edge in Sunday's uneventful 0-0 friendly draw with the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.

The 25 year old said: "It was a strange game and a strange atmosphere. It was really end to end. It was a strange game but one we could have done a lot better in.

"We felt like we lost the game, it's not one we are happy with. I think the pace slowed up the last five to 10 minutes.

"We could have pushed it a bit more. We did have a lot of the ball but we didn't create it too much.

"I think it's one where we need to improve. It wasn't a good performance from us and there are a lot of things we need to improve on.

"Considering we have had seven to 10 days off, I think we will make sure we are ready come Sunday."