Allardyce set for fast Slo test

SAM ALLARDYCE expects his toughest test in Slovakia – but believes it can define England’s whole World Cup campaign.

England were held to a goalless draw by Slovakia in Euro 2016 and face a red-hot atmosphere in the 19,000-capacity City Arena today.

But Allardyce is confident that a positive result can carry them through to the World Cup as he believes this could be the hardest fixture in Group F.

England boss Allardyce said: “It is probably the toughest game in the group, but Scotland will be tough for different reasons.

“Playing away from home in the first one, though, with the players coming together for the first time with a lot of new staff and manager... hopefully I can get it to gel immediately and we can enjoy the journey home. “I’ve studied more the games ball. It’s important we out-possess the opposition because of the heat. As long as we’re possessing, not just for the sake of it, but to try to possess and create a chance to score.

“I’ve watched some of the game from last time (in the Euros). There were 14 blocks in that game and maybe eight or 10 on target that the keeper saved.

“It was an incredibly unlucky draw for England. Maybe great defending or goalkeeping, but they were one goal away from a great performance and result. But this is a qualifier, not a tournament.”

It is a new start for England with Allardyce in charge but familiar questions still remain, particularly around captain Wayne Rooney who will win his 116th cap and overtake David Beckham as the most capped outfield player.

But Allardyce could not resist intervening on a question about Rooney’s role in the team with the England captain expected to play as a No10, just behind Harry Kane.

Allardyce said: “I’ve seen Wayne play for United up front, in the hole, down the right, central midfield. Does that not give you the credibility of the man and the flexibility.

“All the managers that he’s had will play him to get him on the field.

“Instead of sulking and saying ‘I don’t play there, I play there...’ he’ll do what he needs to do to play for Manchester United and get in the team.”