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Slovenia v England preview
- Updated: October 10, 2016
Eric Dier is set to return for England when they face Slovenia in their latest World Cup qualifier on Tuesday evening.
The Tottenham midfielder missed the 2-0 win over Malta at Wembley with a hamstring injury, as Gareth Southgate secured a maiden win as interim boss.
Captain Wayne Rooney, who played in a deep-lying midfield role on Saturday, has been dropped to the bench, allowing Dier to partner Jordan Henderson, who will captain the team.
Slovenia, who lost twice to England in Euro 2016 Qualifying, go into the game on the back of a morale-boosting 1-0 victory over Slovakia.
But coach Srecko Katanec wants his men to approach the game in measured fashion.
“I warned the guys against too much euphoria are the Slovakia result,” he said. “You cannot compare the two teams; England has a lot more quality in every way. The team functions very well and we expect a tough match in every aspect.
“England have very quick players and very fast in transition from defence to attack. But we don’t need to be afraid of the game or afraid to lose. The guys are unburdened.”
Team news
Southgate has Jamie Vardy, Daniel Sturridge, Theo Walcott and Marcus Rashford among striking options while Dier – as mentioned – is fit to return.
Opta stats
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