Slovenia will defend their position as Group C leaders against strugglers England at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. The Slovenes have been the best performers in this group after defeating Algeria 1-0 and drawing with the United States 2-2. A second win would guarantee the top spot in group C, but England may prove a tough nut to crack.
Despite reports that there has been division in the English camp, the squad has publicly backed the team's cohesiveness. However, back-to-back draws have left many English fans wondering where the team's fire is.
The Three Lions have the talent and they have the team, but will Sir Steven be able to inspire the Brits to their pre-World Cup form?
Group C: England vs. Slovenia
Date: 23 June, 2010 - 16:00 CET
Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium - Port Elizabeth
Referee: Wolfgang Stark (Germany)
England:
Keeper: David James
Defenders: John Terry, Glen Johnson, Ashley Cole, Matthew Upson
Midfielders: Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Aaron Lennon, Gareth Barry
Forwards: Wayne Rooney, Emile Heskey
Manager: Fabio Capello
Injured: Ledley King
Booked: Jamie Carragher
Slovenia:
Goalkeeper: Samir Handanovic
Defenders: Miso Brecko, Marko Suler, Bojan Jokic, Bostjan Cesar
Midfielders: Alexander Radosavljevic, Robert Koren, Andraz Kirm, Valter Birsa
Forwards: Milivoje Novakovic, Zlatan Ljubijankic
Manager: Matjaz Kek
Injured: Nejc Pecnik
Booked: -
There is plenty of pressure on the English side now. Rumours of division in the camp have been denied, but there could be some truth there. The forecast is sunny and 20 degrees Wednesday in Port Elizabeth. German referee Wolfgang Stark was chosen after overseeing the group B match between Argentina and Nigeria (1-0).
Last meeting: 05.09.2009, England - Slovenia 2:1
Wins England: 1
Wins Slovenia: 0
Draws: 0
Slovenia got off to a promising start against the United States but will take a page out of Algeria's book and try to defend against one-goal England. The quality in the English squad is too much to deny and you should expect their determination to break down the Slovenes' defense eventually, even if one goal decides it.
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