Roy Hodgson claimed that he is undecided as to whether picking Wayne Rooney for the final group match against Slovakia. After a late winner against Wales in the previous game, England are now in a good position to qualify from the group and enter into the knockout stages.
Following a 1-1 draw with Russia in the opening game, there was a danger of England failing to get out of the group stages at a major tournament once again. There was a sea change in the attitude of the England attack towards the end of the game against Wales.
It was brought about by bringing on Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge in place of the ineffective Harry Kane and surprisingly poor Wayne Rooney. Rooney was the star of the show in the opening game against Russia, but he struggled to recreate the magic against Wales. Kane has been poor in the first two rounds of the tournament and is widely expected to be dropped for the final group game against Slovakia. Hodgson admitted that Vardy and Sturridge were exceptional against Slovakia and they are most likely to start in the final group match. Fans have been calling for auction to make this change permanent, as Vardy and Sturridge have been in fine form.
“Jamie and Daniel did very well when they came on against Wales and I’m sure they would like to start (against Wales). The options are there. We have spoken at length on many occasions about the options available, especially in the front positions and nothing changes. It’s a decision to be made. I have spoken to Harry, he has been very very good in training over the last couple of days. I don’t think he is suffering any more from the season than any other who has played on a regular basis,” said Hodgson.