FIFA World Cup 2010: England vs Slovenia Preview

It's D-day for the England team. Not even the most pessimistic England fans would have expected the dilemma the Three Lions are in. Going into their final game in Group C against Slovenia, knowing they have to win. If they don't succeed, they will be part of England's most embarrassingly premature exits in World Cup history.

When the group draw was announced a few months ago, most fans thought that England would ease through the group stages. They were expected to win all three of their games to inferior opposition.

'EASY' was the headline on the front page of The Sun the day after the draw was made. However, the Three Lions have made it look anything but easy. 

The first game against the USA was one the England fans want to forget in a hurry. A 1-1 draw hit the hearts of the English. To make it even worse, the Americans celebrated like thay had won.

The second match was against Algeria. This was where England were meant to show their dominance. However, all they showed was a lack of pride and determination to win. This draw made England fans think to worse--a fast exit out of the tournament.

Now in their third game of the group, they really do face the possibility of going home soon. They need to win to be certain of qualifying for the last 16 of the tournament.

Team news

England -  Their only fitness problem ahead of the game is Ledley King. He will miss the game as he is still recovering from a groin injury he picked up during the first few minutes of their first game.

King was always an 'iffy' choice, as some thought he'd be as good as he is for Spurs, while others couldn't help thinking about his poor fitness. During the season, he was unable to play a game on a saturday after playing a match the wednesday before. HE has shown the second group of people were right.

King's replacement against Algeria, Jamie Carragher, has been suspended for this game has he was given a second yellow card. Capello has said that Upson will be starting in his place in the heart of defence.

Every player, apart from King, took part in training on Tuesday, so the team will be chosen under intense speculation. One switch has been suggested, that Heskey will lose his spot to Jermain Defoe. 

Fans and critics both believe that Joe Cole should start in this game. He has been left out of the previous two game by boss Fabio Capello. With his growing popularity, it looks like he will start.

Slovenia - Defender Marko Suler, looks like he will miss the match after receiving a rib injury against the USA. His will be replaced by Matej Mavric at centre-back.

They will also be without midfielder Nejc Pecnik. He was flown home after breaking his ankle, and is expected to be out for up to three months.

Slovenia are in a better position than England, as they only need a point to progress to the next stage of the tournament. Manager Kek, may choose to get his team to defend against England who will be desperate to score.

My Prediction: 2-0      (fingers crossed)