England News

• Nickname:Three Lions
• Founded: 1872
• Manager:Roy Hodgson

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90000

Upson to start against Slovenia

21 Jun 2010 - 12:35:19

Click To Enlarge

Matthew Upson will reportedly partner John Terry in central defence when England take on Slovenia in their crucial final World Cup Group C game on Wednesday.

England will be without the injured Ledley King and suspended Jamie Carragher for the must-win game in Port Elizabeth so coach Fabio Capello had turned to the West Ham United defender.

Upson was a regular during England's impressive qualifying campaign and was vying with uncapped Tottenham defender Michael Dawson for a place in the starting line-up.

The centre of defence has been a problem area for the Three Lions after captain Rio Ferdinand was ruled out of the tournament through injury shortly after arriving in South Africa.

King picked up a groin injury in the opening 1-1 draw with the United States, while replacement Carragher has been handed a one-match ban after picking up a second yellow card during Friday's goalless stalemate with Algeria.

Meanwhile, German referee Wolfgang Stark has been confirmed as the man in the middle for the crunch encounter.

The 40-year-old was previously in charge of Argentina's 1-0 victory over Nigeria in Group B.