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England’s three lions will be Sturridge, Vardy and Rooney

England’s late winner against Wales last week sent them top of Group B and got their Euro 2016 campaign back on track. Tonight, Roy Hodgson’s men can secure their place in the last 16 against Slovakia. Former Singapore international John Wilkinson tells TODAY sports reporter Amanpreet Singh (amanpreet [at] mediacorp.com.sg) the five things football fans and neutrals should look out for in Tuesday morning’s game.

England’s Wayne Rooney (left) and Jamie Vardy are two of the team’s greatest assets. Photo: Getty Images

England’s Wayne Rooney (left) and Jamie Vardy are two of the team’s greatest assets. Photo: Getty Images

England’s late winner against Wales last week sent them top of Group B and got their Euro 2016 campaign back on track. Tonight, Roy Hodgson’s men can secure their place in the last 16 against Slovakia. Former Singapore international John Wilkinson tells TODAY sports reporter Amanpreet Singh (amanpreet [at] mediacorp.com.sg) the five things football fans and neutrals should look out for in Tuesday morning’s game.

 

Will Roy ring the changes?

Forwards Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Vardy came off the bench at half-time against Wales and turned the game in England’s favour with goals. Wilkinson reckons both will start in place of Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling.

“Everyone saw Sturridge and Vardy’s impact when they came on and England looked a different side with them,” said the 36-year-old Euro 2016 commentator and pundit for Eleven Sports.

“Kane is coming off a long season and has been a constant starter for both club and country so physically, he has not been at his best and is showing signs of constant use.

“As for Sterling, he has not performed so far and is having confidence issues. He does not look like a £50 million (S$96.9 million) player. Maybe Jack Wilshere will come in too, but Adam Lallana redeemed himself with a good performance in the last game so it will be interesting to see who Roy goes with.”

 

Will Rooney impress in midfield?

England captain Wayne Rooney has been exceptional so far in his new midfield role and Wilkinson expects another strong showing.

“He’s been outstanding in midfield,” said Wilkinson, who once played for English side Exeter City before joining the S.League in 2002. “England have someone who can score a goal from distance, has an eye for the pass and understands the movement of forwards. He should put in another influential display.”

 

Who will triumph in the No 10 role?

According to Wilkinson, the two teams’ No 10s could decide tomorrow’s cruncher. Slovakia’s No 10 is the mohawk-sporting Marek Hamsik, while Sturridge will fill the role for England if he plays.

No 10s sit in a free role between their team’s midfield and the forwards. Opposing defenders usually stick with the strikers they are marking, and are loathe to push further out to deal with the No 10s.

“Hamsik is Slovakia’s star man and had a really good game against Russia. I expect him to drop deep into that area where defenders don’t like to go,” explained Wilkinson.

“As for England, Sturridge frequented that area against Wales and did really well. If he thrives, it may well win England the match.”

 

Can Hart bounce back after his howler?

England goalkeeper Joe Hart had a night to forget as he allowed Gareth Bale’s free kick to slip past him. While it did not prove costly, Wilkinson feels the Manchester City custodian’s reaction against Slovakia will be worth scrutinising.

“Hart is one of the team’s most experienced players but he is not a natural leader,” he explained.

“I am curious to see how he will react. I expect Slovakia to test him with shots from distance. Whether he bounces back will be vital for England for the rest of the tournament.”

 

Which Slovakia will turn up?

A win for Slovakia could see them top the group and qualify for the last 16. A draw could be enough too. Wilkinson is keen to see how they will approach this match.

“I am sure Slovakia know they may not be able to dominate possession so it will be interesting to see how they line up,” he said. “Considering there have been many late goals in the tournament so far and England have been shaky towards the end of recent matches, will Slovakia pressure them right from the start, or will they sit back and look to score on the counter?”

 

Prediction

“I didn’t think Slovakia looked clever against Wales or Russia and I expect England to dominate for large periods. I am going for a 2-0 England win.”

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