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England face selection dilemma for Slovakia tie
PARIS: There was a strong temptation to call England coach Roy Hodgson a master tactician after his halftime substitutions against Wales turned the game and brought
PARIS: There was a strong temptation to call England coach Roy Hodgson a master tactician after his halftime substitutions against Wales turned the game and brought the Euro knockout stage into view.
The counter-argument is that Hodgson erred in picking the wrong side in the first place, and his team selection for Monday’s Group B match against Slovakia in Saint-Etienne will give a big indication of the path England may take going into the round of 16.
With four points from two games, England top their group and have already done enough to secure a top-three place and probable qualification for the second round. Finishing first would secure an easier last-16 opponent, so the game against a Slovakia side also with first place in its sights is crucial. Slovakia, like Wales, have three points. Russia have one.
Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling started the 2-1 win over Wales, despite struggling for form. They were replaced at halftime by strikers Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge, who scored England’s goals and sparked a livelier attacking display. They could both be handed starts by Hodgson against Slovakia.
That would mean playing with two strikers, another in midfield in captain Wayne Rooney, as well as attacking midfielders Adam Lallana and Dele Alli. Hodgson has a reputation for being a cautious coach, but he showed a daring side by picking five strikers in his squad at the expense of extra defensive cover and, at 68 years old, he could continue his bold streak.
