Victory for England over Slovakia in Saint-Étienne tomorrow would guarantee England winning Group B and face a third-placed team in the second round.
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England will head into the match buzzing after their stoppage time victory over neighbours Wales on Thursday, whilst many expected Slovakia to be the weakest team in the group heading into Euro 2016.
Substitutes Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge were the heroes last time out as they came off the bench at half-time to turn the game on its head. England remain the only nation to come from behind to win a game in France this summer as a result. but have they done enough to get a start on Monday?
They have left Roy Hodgson with a decision to make – do either or both Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge start their final group game? Harry Kane has looked tired and ineffective in his two starts; not troubling either Russia or Wales. Raheem Sterling is already well-expected to be benched.
Here is the England team we think we’ll see facing Slovakia:
Goalkeeper: Joe Hart
There were some murmurs that the long-time England number one should be benched for this game after his howler for Gareth Bale’s goal but we think that would be a very bold move from Roy Hodgson and one I don’t expect him to make. Both teams to score is 6/5 with William Hill.
Defence: Nathaniel Clyne, Gary Cahill, Chris Smalling, Ryan Bertrand
The back four have only allowed four shots on target so far but facing Russia and Wales there hasn’t been much of a challenge. Will Slovakia offer more? They have Marek Hamšík, Vladimír Weiss and Juraj Kucka in midfield to do that. I believe this may well be England’s biggest defensive test so far. Robert Mak also has a goal for Slovakia in this tournament. On top of that I can see both Kyle Walker and Danny Rose both rested with the knockout stages in mind as they have been bombing forward endlessly in their first two games. Gary Cahill is on a yellow card which means he could also be rested.
Midfield: Wayne Rooney, Eric Dier, Dele Alli
Jack Wilshere is pushing for a place in the starting lineup but I think we’ll see England start with the same three central midfielders that have started the first two games. They should expect to be in control of most of the possession and Wayne Rooney could well find space once again to pick the defence apart. This midfield needs to help keep Marek Hamšík and Vladimír Weiss quiet in particular. Both are excellent runners capable of scoring from long range. England are a tasty 4/5 to win with William Hill.
Attack: Daniel Sturridge, Jamie Vardy, Adam Lallana
Two changes in attack see Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling benched in favour of Thursday’s heroes. Sturridge has experience on the right wing whilst Jamie Vardy should play up top. Adam Lallana can switch to the left. He has worked hard off the ball so far in this tournament but not been a threat going forward. These two will look to cut in on their stronger feet which will give the full-backs more space to attack down the wings. Vardy is 19/10 to score anytime with William Hill.
Prediction: England 2-0 Slovakia
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