Given what happened in the second half against Wales last week, England fans might have expected a couple of changes from Roy Hodgson ahead of their final group match against Slovakia.
Trailing to Gareth Bale’s free-kick, the England boss sent Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge on for the second 45 in Lens.
Vardy levelled the match after being on the field a matter of moment, while Sturridge toe-poked a stoppage time winner home to leave England on the brink of qualification.
It looks to have been enough to secure the Leicester man and the Liverpool forward a starting berth in England’s final group game.
Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere has also won a place in the starting XI for the key clash alongside Nathaniel Clyne and Ryan Bertrand in defence and Jordan Henderson in midfield as Hodgson made sweeping changes.
CONFIRMED: The official #ThreeLions teamsheet for tonight's #Euro2016 clash with #SVK#TogetherForEngland pic.twitter.com/Bd41pH0Abw
— England (@England) June 20, 2016
A win would guarantee that England qualify for the last 16 as group winners. In theory, this should land them a more favourable draw in the next round, avoiding the other group winners.
A draw coupled with a win for Wales against Russia would see them qualify in second place. A defeat would see Slovakia finish above them in the group, but wouldn’t necessarily see England exit the competition.
The four best third placed finishes will also make the knockout stages… but let’s not think about that unless we absolutely have to.
