Ex-Owl almost dents England's perfect record

Last updated : 15 June 2015 By C. Morris

A former Sheffield Wednesday player almost ended England’s 100% Euro 2016 qualifying campaign record on Sunday afternoon.

England travelled to Slovenia with 5 wins from 5 matches in Group E but fell behind against the run of play as half-time approached.

2 fine goals from Jack Wilshere put England in command but with just over 5 minutes to go Nejc Pecnik beat Joe Hart with a towering back post header to level the scores.

Pecnik’s name will be familiar with Owls followers as the 29-year-old attacking midfielder was on the books at Hillsborough in the 2012/13 season. Signed as an attacking midfielder by then Owls boss Dave Jones, Pecnik struggled to settle into English football and despite showing flashes of ability he was unable to hold down a regular place in the side. Wednesday fans will certainly have been surprised to see him score a powerful header as his ability in the air didn’t leave a lasting impression at Hillsborough. The Slovenian international now plays his club football in the Japanese second division.

Just as it looked as though Pecnik’s goal would result in England’s first dropped points of the campaign Wayne Rooney popped up to secure the 3 points for the 3 lions and move to just one goal behind England’s record international goal scorer, Sir Bobby Charlton.