England Looking To Guarantee Top Of Group C With A Win Over Slovenia

England will look to guarantee their place top of Group C with a win against Slovenia on Tuesday night.  

After a disappointing draw against Denmark, Gareth Southgate and his England players will have a lot to prove to reinstall confidence in fans. However, could prove to be another tough team for England to break down.  

Matjaž Kek’s side currently sit in third on two points after two consecutive 1-1 draws against Denmark and Serbia. Whilst four teams that finish third in the groups go through to the next round, two points may not be enough to beat out the other third-place sides to qualify for the last 16. As such, Slovenia will still be hungry to get at least a draw.  

Benjamin Šeško is Slovenia’s biggest attacking threat although, some injury news has speculated that he may be nursing a quad injury which may affect his availability.

It is still expected, however, that the RB Leipzig forward will start tomorrow night. 

Kek’s team are unbeaten in their last eight and are difficult to break down. With England’s recent attacking problems, it seems Southgate will need his forwards to be on top form if he wants to beat this formidable Slovenian side.

There have been no positive updates on Luke Shaw’s fitness from the England Camp and as the tournament goes on with his absence from the England starting lineup, more questions will be asked on why he was put in the squad over available left-backs. Even more so, as there is news that current starting left-back, Keiran Trippier has been nursing a calf injury. England could have a left-back crisis if they lose the Newcastle fullback unless Joe Gomez can slot into the role.  

The rest of the Three Lions’ defence will most likely remain unchanged however there could be alterations in the midfield and attack. Southgate may pause the Trent Alexander-Arnold midfield experiment to give a natural midfielder the chance to partner Declan Rice. Based on Southgate’s substitutes, it could be suggested that Connor Gallagher will be given the nod ahead of Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton.  

Despite the issues England has had in attack, Southgate may decide to keep the front four unchanged for the last game of Group C, with Phill Foden the most likely to drop out of the attack in favour of a more natural winger such as Anthony Gordon.  

A win for England would guarantee a first-place finish in their group and play against one of their third-place sides.  

ENG Predicted XI: Pickford, Gomez, Geuhi, Stones, Walker, Rice, Gallagher, Bellingham, Foden, Saka, Kane (C). 

SVN Predicted XI: Oblack (C), Karničnik, Drkušić, Bijol, Janža, Stojanović, Ćerin, Elšnik, Mlakar, Šporar, Šeško.