Major talking points ahead of England vs Slovakia

Sport360 staff 09:37 20/06/2016
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Ready to face off: Rooney and Hamsik.

    England take on Slovakia in both sides’ final group game at Euro 2016 with both sides hoping to secure a place in the knockout stages.

    Sport360 looks at some of the major talking points facing both sides ahead of the clash:

    WILL IT BE ROY OF THE ROTATION?

    England’s second-half performance against Wales was by some distance their best so far, with genuine goal threat to go with territorial advantage.

    Goalscorers Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge appeared to make irrefutable claims for recalls to the starting XI after coming off the bench but Roy Hodgson can be stubborn in his selections. He also placed a high value on Harry Kane in his pre-tournament planning and could be loathe to cut the Premier League’s top-scorer loose.

    Bringing both Vardy and Sturridge into the XI may dictate a change in system too, meaning he has plenty to ponder as he looks for the perfect formula.

    CAN ENGLAND KEEP A CLEAN SHEET?

    There were already question marks over England’s back line ahead of the tournament and they have conceded in both of their group games so far.

    Russia’s equaliser was an unusual one and Gareth Bale’s 35-yard strike a probable one-off but as a unit they badly need to complete a shutout against Slovakia.

    Joe Hart, who was to blame for Bale’s goal, would particularly cherish a blank.

    STERLING’S PLUMMETING VALUE

    England’s most expensive footballer, Raheem Sterling, has had a forgettable start to the competition. In both matches he has started brightly only for his lack of final product – be it crossing or finishing – to chip away at his confidence.

    Three Lions fans had started to jeer the self-styled ‘Hated One’ before his half-time withdrawal in Lens and his morale must now be a major concern for Hodgson.

    HAMSIK IN THE SHOP WINDOW

    Napoli fans may take exception, but Slovakia boss Jan Kozak suggested after Marek Hamsik’s starring role against Russia that the skilful midfielder “deserves a bigger club”.

    The Premier League, and with all the money and status it attracts, would be home to some desirable suitors so who better for Hamsik to turn on the style against than England? Expect him to be busting a gut to impress.

    Recommended