News going into England v Slavina

England qualification- England are through to the group stages if worse comes to worse in a third place high score position. This is all thanks to Spain, which beat Albania last night.

The likely change in the midfield is inevitable after the change to add Alexander Arnold into the midfield with Declan Rice has not worked over the last two games. England has been dominated in this area more than their opposition. It is rumoured that Conor Gallegher will likely start in the midfield next to Rice. Those many pundits Like Micah Richards and Wayne Rooney suggest playing Bellingham deeper into the midfield and partnering with Declan Rice and free up space for Foden to move into the number 10 role and Gordan coming in on the left where Foden was.  Foden has played impeccably for the club in a more central role.

Luke Shaw is still in doubt, and the question of why Southgate brought him, knowing his injury and lack of fitness, has increased. Due to this, Trippier, who is not a left-back or left-footer, has been playing out of position, leading to a lack of creativity down that left-hand side for Foden to capitalise on.

Southgate says he had not heard the colourful one-word verdict of former England striker Gary Lineker after the Denmark game until told about it when he arrived for media duties before their final Group C game.

"I take myself out of it," said Southgate. "I'm oblivious to it. It's not essential to me at all.

"I don't need to listen to externals because I'm my most prominent critic and think most players are as well."

 It is funny that these ex-England players believe they can diminish an England Squad that achieved more in the last eight years than they did in their careers, where there are double standards. Kane responded perfectly: “Support us in the tournament, judge us afterwards”. These pundits have not played for decades, and the fans say the same thing. Kane said, “Remember what it's like to wear the shirt” Lineker and Shearer stood by what they said and their constant and rude comments but never achieved that level.

We've been critical of England's performances, as has every journalist, but you know how it happens," said Lineker.

"We've talked about this a few times before, about journalists not being brave enough to ask their questions.

"I guarantee whoever that was was probably critical themselves. They do it a) to stir the pot and b) because they're too scared to ask a question themselves.

"It puts Harry on the spot. I thought he answered it fine.

"There was one bit there where he says that we have responsibilities as ex-England players, that we should know better and that we never won anything or words to that effect.

"Fine, he's right. But I will say one thing. The last thing in the world we want to be is downbeat and critical. We want the England team to perform well on the pitch. The best punditry of all is when England plays well."

If the Three Lions only manage a draw against Slovenia and Denmark beat Serbia by two goals or more, the Danes would leapfrog Southgate's men and take the top spot, leaving England to finish second in the group.

Suppose England loses to Slovenia and Serbia wins against Denmark. In that case, Slovenia will go through on top, whilst if Slovenia and Denmark both win their games, the group winner will be decided by goal difference. This would result in a third-place finish for the Three Lions. 

When could England play their last-16 tie? 

Saturday, June 29

Germany v runner-up Group C (England) at 8 pm

Sunday, June 30

Winner of Group C (England) v third place Group D/E/F at 5 pm

Spain v third place Group A/D/E/F (England) at 8 pm 

Monday, July 1

Portugal v third place Group A/B/C (England) at 8 pm 

Tuesday, July 2

Winner Group E (Belgium / Romania / Slovakia / Ukraine) v third place Group A/B/C/D (England) at 5 pm