Monday 20 June 2016

Wayne Rooney rested as Roy Hodgson changes six for England's final group game with Slovakia

Wayne Rooney has been rested for the final group game against Slovakia
England captain Wayne Rooney has been rested as one of six changes by Roy Hodgson for the final Euro 2016 Group B match against Slovakia.

The Manchester United skipper has been replaced in midfield by Arsenal's Jack Wilshere, who came off the bench to replace him in the opening match against Russia.

Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge, who scored the goals that saw England come from behind to beat Wales in game two, both start over Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling - the pair they replaced in that 2-1 victory.

Full-backs Nathaniel Clyne and Ryan Bertrand come in for Tottenham pair Kyle Walker and Danny Rose, while Jordan Henderson makes his first appearance of the tournament in place of Dele Alli.

Sky sources reported earlier on Monday that Leicester star Vardy was set to start for the first time in the competition after beginning on the bench against Russia and Wales.

England boss Hodgson told reporters on Sunday that he still had a decision to make about who would start up front following Vardy's and Sturridge's goal-scoring heroics.

England are assured of a top-three finish in Group B and know a win against Slovakia will guarantee them top spot and a potentially easier tie in the last 16 of the tournament.

England team to play Slovakia: Hart, Clyne, Smalling, Cahill, Bertrand, Dier, Henderson, Wilshere, Sturridge, Lallana, Vardy.

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