England vs Slovakia as it happened: Eric Dier and Marcus Rashford goals see hosts home after shaky start
England 2 Slovakia 1: Re-live all the action from the World Cup qualifier at Wembley
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Your support makes all the difference.England sit atop their World Cup qualifying group as things stand, but Slovakia are hot on their heels in second place. With just two points separating the sides, an England defeat would see them relinquish their place at the top of Group F with just two further fixtures remaining.
Friday’s edgy win over Malta did little to convince anyone that England are home and dry as they attempt to stay ahead of the chasing pack. The previous qualifying match between England and Slovakia was a narrow and unconvincing win for the Three Lions in Trnava, with Adam Lallana’s last-minute winner sealing victory for Sam Allardyce in his first – and only – match as England boss.
Gareth Southgate will not allow his players to lose focus, especially given Slovakia’s excellent recent form in Group F. After two losses at the start of the qualifying campaign, they have bounced back to win all five of their last qualifiers, including an excellent performance against Slovenia on Friday.
Follow all the live action below...
What time does it start?
England vs Slovakia kicks off at 7.45pm.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on ITV from 7:15pm.
It’s a big game for…
Raheem Sterling: Despite a good start to the season with Manchester City, there is a lingering sense with Sterling that he is yet to perform for England in big games. A quiet and ineffectual display against Malta on Friday – in which he squandered a clear early chance – has only galvanised the doubters.
Best stat…
0: The number of times Slovakia have beaten England, either in competitive matches or in friendlies, since the country’s formation in 1993.
Remember when…
England captain David Beckham’s free-kick sailed straight into the net during their opening Euro 2004 qualifying match in 2002. Sven Goran Eriksson’s men went on to win 2-1 in Bratislava.
Player to watch…
Jordan Henderson: The Liverpool skipper has stated his intention to don the captain’s armband during the World Cup. A commanding display of leadership here – against a Slovakia side keen to upset the applecart – will do his chances no harm.
Past three meetings…
Slovakia 0 England 1 (Lallana), World Cup qualifying, September 2016
Slovakia 0 England 0, European Championships, June 2016
England 4 (Heskey, Rooney, Rooney, Lampard) Slovakia 0, International Friendly, March 2009
Form guide…
England: DLWDLW
Slovakia: DLLWWW
Odds…
England to win: 4/11
Slovakia to win: 15/2
Draw: 7/2
(Odds provided by 888 Sport)
Good evening and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of England v Slovakia.
We hope you're as excited as we are...
Team news is in (see below) and England have two changes to the starting line-up from Friday night's 4-0 win over Malta: Eric Dier comes into the midfield in place of Jake Livermore, while Marcus Rashford replaces Raheem Sterling on the wing.
Among the more recognisable names for the visitors - who currently sit second behind the Three Lions in Group F - are former Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel, ex-Manchester City midfielder Vladimir Weiss and Napoli playmaker Marek Hamsik.
Gareth Southgate has not named a full-time England captain yet. Our man Miguel Delaney thinks he's right not to...
Here's what Southgate needs to do to turn England into world beaters...
7 min: Nice bit of interplay from Oxlade-Chamberlain and Bertrand down the left but the Southampton full-back can't keep the ball in. Goal kick.
8 min: England just need to settle a bit here. There's a hint of panic about their play so far tonight and they're giving possession away far too cheaply early on.
11 min: A bit of possession at last for England... but a sloppy pass out to Oxlade-Chamberlain sees Slovakia regain it.
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