Skip to content

Jonjo Shelvey, John Stones and Jamie Vardy will start for England against San Marino

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Roy Hodgson revealed that Jamie Vardy, John Stones and Jonjo Shelvey will all start for England against San Marino.

England manager Roy Hodgson has revealed that Jonjo Shelvey, John Stones and Jamie Vardy will all start in the European Qualifier against San Marino on Saturday.

Hodgson maintained his policy of not naming his full starting line-up at his pre-match press conference but confirmed that the promising trio will all get a chance to impress.

Defender Stones, who remains at Everton despite Chelsea's attempts to sign him during the transfer window, will win his fifth cap.

John Stones during an England training session
Image: John Stones will start for England against San Marino

And there will be second caps for Swansea midfielder Shelvey and Leicester forward Vardy.

Hodgson, who reported a clean bill of health in his squad, said: "I can say that Jonjo Shelvey will start the game, as will John Stones and Jamie Vardy. I am not prepared to fill in the blanks.

"Stones has done very well and the way he has handled the transfer speculation has been remarkable. It won't affect his play.

"He's been 100 per cent concentrated, focused and motivated to play since he's been with us."

Also See:

England manager Roy Hodgson speaks with Jonjo Shelvey
Image: Jonjo Shelvey has been in fine form for Swansea this season

England have cruised through their Group E campaign so far and will be looking to make it seven wins from seven, which will see them qualify for next summer's tournament in France, against the group minnows in Seravalle on Saturday night.

Captain Wayne Rooney is also on the brink of history as he needs just two goals to become England's all-time leading goalscorer and beat Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 49.

But Hodgson said results, rather than records, were the Manchester United striker's chief worry.

England manager Roy Hodgson during a stadium visit at the San Marino Stadium, Seravalle.
Image: England manager Roy Hodgson during a stadium visit at the San Marino Stadium, Seravalle

"I do know for certain his main concern is to win the remaining matches we have in the qualifying group," said Hodgson.

"I certainly wouldn't mind him not scoring a goal in those four games as long as we win them all and it wouldn't surprise me if Wayne would say the same thing."

Hodgson admits, though, that giving new players experience could take precedence over maintaining the 100 per cent record in the remaining games.

He said: "If we do qualify either on Saturday or against Switzerland then it's not necessarily that I would put the perfect 10 in front of the opportunity to blood some players in those [final] two games against Estonia and Lithuania. It's a goal but it's not the be-all and end-all."

Euro 2016 Qualifiers

Around Sky