England-Slovenia Preview

England vs Slovenia

Saturday 5 September 2009,

Wembley Stadium

Kick-Off: 17:30

England

Fabio Capello’s England will enter the friendly match with Slovenia with one eye on the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Croatia.

England would qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with a win on Wednesday and Capello will be looking to utilise the friendly against Slovenia as preparation.

The England boss will also be pleased to know that there are no new injury worries ahead of the match. Matthew Upson will likely continue in defence alongside John Terry, while either Aaron Lennon or Shaun Wright-Phillips will add pace to the right side of Capello’s midfield.

Jermain Defoe’s recent form could be enough for the Tottenham striker to force his way into the starting 11. His two goals in England’s most recent performance against Holland came as a substitute.

Slovenia

Slovenia has been impressive in its bid to reach the 2010 World Cup. Sitting third in group three, it will believe it has a very realistic chance of reaching the finals.

Slovenia does, however, have a competitive group with both Poland and the Czech Republic behind them in the table with a game in hand on the Slovenians.

Zlatko Dedic and Milivoje Novakovic, both of whom play their club football in Germany, will likely spearhead the Slovenian attack.

Robert Koren of West Bromwich Albion and Mirnes Sisic of Olympiakos are gifted midfielders in a relatively unknown Slovenian side.

Prediction

On paper, England will be heavy favourites to win, but with the Croatia match looming in the near future, Capello will probably be more concerned about keeping his players healthy.

Slovenia will likely be content to defend and could be successful in its tactics, as its most recent result against the Czech Republic in qualification ended 0-0.

Still, expect England to go about business as it normally does. Losing is not an option for Capello in any match, competitive or friendly, and England has looked more comfortable disposing of weaker opposition under his leadership—something it so often lacked in the past.

England vs Slovenia Prediction: England 2, Slovenia 0

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