• World Cup

Milner and Defoe start in crunch Slovenia clash

ESPN staff
June 23, 2010
Jermain Defoe and James Milner both start © Getty Images
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Fabio Capello has reacted to England's dour draw with Algeria by naming James Milner and Jermain Defoe in his starting XI to play Slovenia.

England must beat Slovenia to guarantee qualification, although a high-scoring draw could also prove enough.

Defoe is introduced at the expense of Emile Heskey after a bright cameo against Slovenia. Heskey is the only England player to create a goal in their World Cup campaign, yet he finds himself reduced to the bench.

Milner replaces Aaron Lennon on the right wing, with Steven Gerrard once again asked to attack from the left as Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry continue in midfield. Despite John Terry's calls, there is no place for Joe Cole.

The only other change is an enforced one, with Matthew Upson covering for the suspended Jamie Carragher at centre back.

England team: James, Johnson, Upson, Terry, A Cole, Milner, Lampard, Barry, Gerrard, Defoe, Rooney.

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