England super-subs primed to start against Slovakia

Former England striker Alan Shearer has led calls for the pair to replace Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling, neither of whom made much impression in the opening 1-1 draw with Russia nor in the first half against Wales. Kane, the Premier League’s top scorer, had barely touched the ball in the opponents’ penalty area in either game. Yet it took Vardy just 11 minutes to nab the goal that put England back on level terms, while Sturridge found a way through a crowded penalty area to snatch the winner in stoppage time. 

A win against Slovakia would seal victory in group B and see England paired with one of the third-placed teams in the round of 16, giving them an excellent chance of advancing further. A draw or loss could make things significantly harder, depending on how Wales fare against Russia.

The thousands of Welsh supporters who have brought their nation’s famed singing, not to mention plenty of plastic dragons, to a major tournament after a wait of more half a century are steeling themselves to hit the heights — or rock bottom — on Monday. Currently in second place in Euro 2016 group B with three points, Wales could finish either top or bottom of their section, depending on their own result against Russia here and England’s against Slovakia.