Ecuador 2-2 England: Rooney & Lambert strike but Three Lions falter in Miami

England’s World Cup preparations continued in Miami as goals from Wayne Rooney and Rickie Lambert helped the Three Lions to a draw against Ecuador, though both sides ended the game with ten men.

Despite a bright start by an experimental England line-up, they found themselves behind as Walter Ayovi’s cross from the left-hand side was powerfully headed home by Enner Valencia, only for Rooney to bundle home before the half-time after Lambert’s close range flick came back off the post.

Roy Hodgson’s side began the second period in the ascendancy, and Lambert was on hand to drive them into the lead after Ross Barkley’s fine run from midfield set up a chance for the new Liverpool striker on the edge of the area.

That goal sparked the South Americans back into life, and after Valencia struck a post, substitute Michael Ar
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royo fired into the top corner from 20 yards as England defenders stood off.

Both teams looked to make substitutes late on, though the game ended in some controversy as Raheem Sterling and Antonio Valencia were both given their marching orders in the closing stages.

More to follow…

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