European Qualifiers: Slovenia win in Lithuania gives England three-point cushion

Milivoje Novakovic's first-half double gave Slovenia a 2-0 European Championship qualifying win in Lithuania.

The Shimizu S-Pulse striker notched twice in five minutes to decide a match in which his side were deserving winners.

The result leaves the two teams level on six points in second place in Group E, three points behind leaders England.

Two early Jasmin Kurtic efforts from distance were of little concern to Lithuania keeper Giedrius Arlauskis and it was Samir Handanovic who made the night's first save, from Fedor Cernych's 20-yard strike.

Georgas Freidgeimas blocked Novakovic's shot while at the other end, Deividas Matulevicius shot wide and Arvydas Novikovas' overhead kick cleared the bar.

But Lithuania suffered a double blow shortly after the half-hour, losing Mindaugas Panka to injury before falling a goal behind.

The ball was played in to Nejc Pecnik on the edge of the box and he set up Novakovic, who took a touch before lifting a deft finish over Arlauskis.

And the second arrived just four minutes later when Kevin Kampl crossed and from close range, Novakovic beat Arlauskis at the second attempt.

Lithuania threatened to pull a goal back at once but Arturas Zulpa's header from Arvydas Novikovas' free-kick was tipped over by Handanovic.

Andraz Struna fired over and Kurtic's free-kick was straight into the wall as Slovenia failed to add to their interval advantage.

Gediminas Vicius, Panka's replacement, had the first shot of the second half but was off target from distance, before Novikovas' effort was blocked by Miso Brecko.

Handanovic held Zulpa's blast and Novikovas sent a long-range free-kick wide before Saulius Mikoliunas was denied by Bostjan Cesar's block.

Handanovic held another Vicius strike from distance and Mikoliunas dragged a shot wide as Lithuania's late push failed to yield results - and indeed Arlauskis twice prevented Valter Birsa scoring a third in stoppage time.