Football News: Slovenia Ponder Sesko Fitness Ahead of England Clash in Euro 2024 Qualifiers
Slovenia will make a late call on the fitness of striker Benjamin Sesko before their crucial Group C decider with England in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Slovenia’s Fitness Concerns
The RB Leipzig player has been on an individual training regime since Slovenia’s last match against Serbia, and manager Matjaz Kek says he will make his decision after a final training session on Tuesday.
“We had some problems after the match with Serbia that is true,” Kek said when asked about Sesko’s fitness. “Some players have had a special training regime but all have been in training today and still have more than 24 hours [to be ready].”
The expectation remains that Slovenia’s main man will still be selected for the game, which Kek described as “the biggest challenge” for this generation of players.
Slovenia’s Respect for England
Kek was keen to play up the strengths of the opposition, saying England’s stuttering form in the Champions League has not changed his analysis.
“We respect England very much. We respect their individuals, we respect their strengths, their abilities. [Beating] such a team will be the biggest challenge of this generation, but I believe these players will play in such matches again in future.”
A point for Slovenia would put them in the mix for third-place qualification in the Euro 2024 group stage, while a win could enable them to top the group after two points from their opening fixtures.
Tactical Approach
There has been speculation that Kek may switch formation, having seen England struggle against the three central defenders of Serbia and Denmark in the Champions League. However, the Slovenia boss remained coy on his tactical approach.
“You don’t know how we will play. If you look at players of the team that England has, you must know there are no easy paths through the match. We will have to defend all 10 players in front of [goalkeeper Jan] Oblak, but England will have watched our matches, they will know what we are about.”
The match in Cologne is set to be a thrilling encounter as Slovenia aim to pull off a shock result against the pre-tournament favorites England in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
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