{"id":1320,"date":"2016-10-11T02:00:49","date_gmt":"2016-10-11T06:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/?p=1320"},"modified":"2016-10-11T12:05:47","modified_gmt":"2016-10-11T16:05:47","slug":"slovenia-vs-england-world-cup-2018-qualifier-preview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2016\/10\/11\/slovenia-vs-england-world-cup-2018-qualifier-preview\/","title":{"rendered":"Slovenia vs England: 2018 World Cup Qualifier Preview"},"content":{"rendered":"

Venue<\/strong> \u2013 Stadion Stozice<\/p>\n

Kick off<\/strong> \u2013 7:45pm GMT Tuesday 11th<\/sup> October<\/p>\n

Last time<\/strong> \u2013 Slovenia 2-3 England. 14th<\/sup> June 2015, Euro Championship Qualifier.<\/p>\n

Although it was uninspiring, England<\/strong> recorded a comfortable win on Saturday. They beat Malta 2-0 at Wembley<\/strong> to give interim manager Gareth Southgate<\/strong> a winning start. Tonight, the Three Lions<\/strong> must improve, as a tougher opponent in Slovenia<\/strong> awaits. England currently sit atop Group F with two wins from two in this 2018 World Cup qualifing campaign; however, Slovenia are also unbeaten.<\/p>\n

Slovenia vs England: 2018 World Cup Qualifier Preview<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

England Team news \u2013 Wayne Rooney dropped<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

The big news here is that Wayne Rooney will be dropped to the bench. Tottenham\u2019s Eric Dier<\/strong> is set to replace him in midfield. Manager Southgate has confirmed that the change is for tactical reasons and many England fans will be pleased by the decision.<\/p>\n

Rooney was subjected to booing from a section of Three Lions fans on Saturday evening\u00a0and this decision will make Gareth Southgate\u00a0a bit more popular amongst some. Can Rooney force his way back into the England starting eleven? Yes, but improved performances for his club must come first. If selected of course.<\/p>\n

Jordan Henderson named captain<\/strong><\/h4>\n

In Rooney\u2019s absence, Liverpool\u2019s Jordan Henderson will take over the captaincy. He was one of the few to make a difference against Malta<\/strong> and this will be a big test for him.<\/p>\n

Henderson has the opportunity not only to make one of the midfield spots his own but also to stake a claim to be made England\u2019s full time captain.<\/p>\n

Jordan Pickford<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Sunderland’s current first choice keeper Jordan Pickford has been called up to the senior squad for the first time. He replaces the injured Tom Heaton<\/strong>. Pickford was due to be involved with the England U-21 side ahead of their clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina<\/strong> in a Euro Qualifier until the senior side came calling.<\/p>\n

Although Sunderland<\/strong> have struggled this season, Pickford has been in excellent form. It is highly unlikely that the Sunderland youngster will feature but this will give him good experience, confidence and wet his appetite for more to come.<\/p>\n

Slovenia team news<\/strong><\/h4>\n

It will come to no surprise if Slovenia stick with the same side that defeated Slovakia<\/strong> at the weekend. Although Rok Kronaveter<\/strong> came off the bench to net the winner, he is expected to remain a substitute. Fiorentina\u2019s Josip Llicic <\/strong>is expected to play and star for his side. The forward with a licence to roam has the ability to keep England\u2019s defenders busy.<\/p>\n

Valter Birsa<\/strong>\u00a0is another dangerman. He has an eye for\u00a0the throughball and is also\u00a0a threat\u00a0on set pieces. At the other end of the pitch, expect Atl\u00e9tico Madrid\u2019s keeper Jan Oblak<\/strong> to prove difficult to get past.<\/p>\n

Current form<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Both teams come into this fixture on the back of unbeaten starts to the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign. England have won twice, beating Slovakia 1-0 and Malta 2-0. Slovenia are also unbeaten, drawing 2-2 with Lithuania<\/strong> and beating Slovakia 1-0.<\/p>\n

The Last Word<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Although this will be a tough test for Southgate\u2019s men, this is also a winnable game. England must up their game from the weekend and, if they do, then they should take three points home with them. Slovenia will want to keep their own unbeaten run going also. They will not be afraid of this England side and could cause plenty of problems in the final third.<\/p>\n

A win here for Southgate with a starting eleven missing the dropped Wayne Rooney will edge the interim boss one step closer to the permanent manager\u2019s role.<\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n