England boss Roy Hodgson to make six changes in Slovakia gamble

Hodgson to make six changes.

Roy Hodgson is preparing to take a remarkable gamble with England’s Euro 2016 campaign by making six changes.

Hodgson is set to start with Daniel Sturridge, Jamie Vardy, Jordan Henderson and Jack Wilshere as well as changing his full backs for the final Group match with Slovakia.

And remarkably, the manager has decided that captain Wayne Rooney will take a rest and make way for Henderson.

That is despite England still needing a win to guarantee finishing top of Group B which would set up a last 16 game in Paris on Saturday and a potentially easier passage in the knock-out stage.

It means Nathaniel Clyne and Ryan Bertrand are set to come in for Kyle Walker and Danny Rose respectively as Hodgson looks to give his full backs a rest.

Sturridge’s superb heroics against Wales will be rewarded with a start, Vardy will start up front instead of Harry Kane and Wilshere comes in for Dele Alli.

England boss Hodgson admitted that he is concerned about Kane and Raheem Sterling suffering from “wear and tear” so both will be given a breather.

Hodgson is anxious to get Wilshere on the ball and hopes the shake-up will invigorate his players and they will still be good enough to be at Slovakia.

Hodgson began the Euros believing that Slovakia were the weakest team in Group B, but knows defeat and Wales beating Russia would still leave England third and facing a tougher route.

That is why Hodgson’s changes must be seen as a major gamble while he admitted yesterday that other players are desperate for a chance and Sturridge and Vardy deserve their chance.

Hodgson said: “I don't think it's absolutely necessary [to change]. The players are in good shape.

"It wouldn't be a problem if I wanted to keep the same side, but there are players who would like to play and have been knocking on the door to play.

 “I have the option because everyone is anxious to show what they want to do. It's a question of what we'd like to do, rather than what is necessary.

“As for Jamie and Daniel, they did very well when they came on and would like another chance. We have options in those front positions. It's a decision that has to be made.”