Team News: Slovakia make three changes for England clash

Sunderland's English manager Sam Allardyce arrives for the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Sunderland at Selhurst Park in south London on November 23, 2015
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Slovakia make three changes for the visit of England in their opening World Cup qualifying fixture, just under three months on from the sides' goalless draw at Euro 2016.

Slovakia boss Jan Kozak has made three changes to his starting lineup for this evening's World Cup qualifying fixture against England.

Former Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel skippers the side in the heart of defence, while Napoli dangerman Marek Hamsik is also included in midfield.

Slovakia held England to a goalless draw at Euro 2016, helping to earn a place in the last-16 where they fell to defeat at the hands of Germany, with Kozak this evening making minimal changes from that loss.

England's starting lineup was already known, meanwhile, as boss Sam Allardyce took the unorthodox step of naming his side 48 hours before the match - his first in charge of the Three Lions.

Jordan Henderson, John Stones and Adam Lallana all come into the side, in what is expected to be a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Chris Smalling, Daniel Sturridge and Dele Alli the men to make way.

There is also a starting spot for Wayne Rooney in attacking midfield, meaning a 116th cap for the Manchester United ace - moving him ahead of David Beckham in the list of most-capped outfield players for the Three Lions.

Slovakia: Kozacik, Pekarik, Skrtel, Durica, Gregus, Hubocan, Hamsik, Svento, Mak, Duris, Pecovsk

England: Hart; Walker, Cahill, Stones, Rose; Dier, Henderson; Sterling, Rooney, Lallana; Kane

Follow all of the action as it unfolds with Sports Mole's live text coverage right here.

Jordan Henderson of England in action during the International Friendly match between England and Denmark at Wembley Stadium on March 5, 2014
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