UEFA Euro 2016: [8pm] England VS Russia

Finally, the Three Lions of England are set to kick-start the campaign as they take on Russia at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille.


TEAM NEWS

England

• Ryan Bertrand is training separately from the rest of the team as he struggles to overcome a knock that ruled him of the 1-0 win over Portugal last week, with Danny Rose set to deputise at left-back, while Chris Smalling is okay to start. 

• Wayne Rooney is expected to start in the number 10 role, with Adam Lallana and Raheem Sterling providing the width.

• Jamie Vardy will likely start on the bench.

Russia

• Igor Denisov was forced to pull out of the Russia squad through injury on Tuesday in what is a blow to manager Leonid Slutskiy.

• Russia could line up in an attacking 4-3-3 formation, with Feder Smolov and Aleksandr Kokorin flanking Artem Dzyuba.

• Roman Neustadter is in line to shield the defence, while Georgy Schennikov should start at left-back.

PREDICTION 

England secured a hard fought 1-0 win over Portugal last week, though their performance left a lot to be desired. Nevertheless, the Three Lions have won four of their last five outings, winning each of those by a one-goal margin ahead of the meeting with Russia.

Leonid Slutskiy's side have failed to win their last three outings, losing two, though secured victory the last time these two teams met in 2007. However, Russia's poor form is cause for concern coming into Euro 2016, though know a positive result will go a long way to securing a spot in the last-16 stage of the competition.

Russia have what it takes to hold firm and frustrate England, but Hodgson's side should have what it takes to secure a win. 

FINAL VERDICT

England 2-0 Russia