England vs Slovenia : Match Preview and Prediction

England vs Slovenia play each other in an European Qualifiers fixture.

Slovenia and England have played each other two times and England have won both the matches. The most recent match between the sides was played in 2010 when the teams played each other in the group stage of the World Cup held in South Africa. Jermain Defoe scored the winner in the 23rd minute as England made it to the next round behind United States of America in group rankings.

England currently leads the Group E standing of European Qualifiers with 9 points while Slovenia is just behind them with 6 points in as many games. Lithuania share the same points as Slovenia and are third in the table. Trailing them are Switzerland with three points while Estonia are second bottom on goal difference. San Marino are bottom of the table with no points and no goals. They have conceded 11 goals in three matches.

Wayne Rooney is set to make his 100th appearance for the England National Team and will capatain the side.

Team News:

Andros Townsend and Leighton Baines are both ruled out of the match due to respective injuries. Roy Hodgson has called up a few new names, but it is unlikely they will get a run in in a match of this importance. Michael Carrick is struggling with a groin injury so it is unlikely he will be given a starting spot. Nathaniel Clyne and Callum Chambers are both having a great season and both have equal chances of getting a spot in starting lineup.

Slovenia does not have any injury concerns and they will probably field the same lineup as they did last month against Switzerland. Slovenia were impressive against Switzerland as they romped towards a very three point.

Probable Starting Lineup:

England:

Formation: 4-3-1-2

Joe Hart: Callum Chambers, Phil Jagielka, Gary Cahill, Kieran Gibbs: Jack Wilshere, Jordan Henderson, James Milner: Raheem Sterling: Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck

Slovenia:

Formation: 4-4-2

Samir Handanovic: Miso Brecko, Bostjan Cesar, Branko Ilic, Andraz Struna: Kevin Kampl, Ales Mertelj, Valter Birsa, Andraz Kirm: Milivoje Novakovic, Zlatan Ljubijankic