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If England manager Roy Hodgson needed an example of exactly what his makeshift side are up against tonight, he got it by the end of Friday evening. Yes, the opposition were sorry San Marino, but the 9-0 thumping handed to them by the Ukrainians serves as a potent warning to the Three Lions, who are themselves goal-shy. Influential talisman Wayne Rooney is out, as are Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck after the duo picked up a hamstring injury and a suspension, respectively. While tonight's opposition are bombastic in attack, the Three Lions will have to make do with Rickie Lambert, who is making only his third appearances for his country. It is likely Hodgson's team will have to dig in deep tonight and try to weather the storm set to be unleashed on them in a stadium full of supporters crying for their side to attack. Prediction: 0-0 England have the defensive capabilities to play out a goalless draw but not the strikers to take the lead. In the end, a 0-0 draw would be a respectable result and one that puts the Lions on course for qualification.
Joseph Dempsey
Contributor
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
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