England v San Marino: the key battles

 
12 October 2012

England host San Marino at Wembley tonight in their third World Cup qualifier, here we look at some of the on-field match-ups.

MICHAEL CARRICK v MATTEO VITAIOLI

After missing out on a place in Roy Hodgson's squad for Euro 2012, Carrick will be keen to cement his place in the England starting XI with an impressive performance at Wembley. The 31-year-old midfielder will be looking to collect only his 25th cap tomorrow night.

San Marino midfielder Matteo Vitaioli likes to push forward and could be an option on the counter-attack, should England get too confident and push too many players forward. Vitaioli has the ability to get to the byline and deliver the ball into dangerous areas for his team.

JOLEON LESCOTT v MANUEL MARANI

Joleon Lescott has recently enjoyed a starring role for England, impressing both for his club side Manchester City and the national side. Lescott is a good reader of the game and adds a strong physical presence to any defence.

However, he may need to keep watch on Marani. With goals for San Marino a rarity, Marani managed to get himself on the scoresheet in just the seventh minute of a 3-2 friendly defeat to Malta.

WAYNE ROONEY v DAVIDE SIMONCINI

Captain for the day Rooney is one of the most experienced players in the England squad with 76 caps and will be looking to cash in against the country FIFA rank as the worst in the world and add to his 29 international strikes.

San Marino defender Simoncini, the twin brother of their goalkeeper Aldo Simoncini, looks as though he will have to play the game of his life to help his brother avoid conceding.

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