Terry, Gerrard and Defoe are set to be key for England in Moldova. We examine their opponents.
John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Jermain Defoe are expected to be key players for England against Moldova. We look at their opponents ahead of the opening World Cup qualifier
England on Friday night start their World Cup 2014 qualifying campaign against Moldova.
Here,
Sky Sports analyses where the match - played at the Zimbru Stadium, Chisinau - could be won and lost.
John Terry v Igor Picusceac
Picusceac is set to lead the line for Moldova having started their last three friendly matches against Angola, El Salvador and Venezuela. Despite not scoring in any of these matches, coach Ion Caras looks ready to stick with the frontman. He will face Terry at the heart of England's defence - and the chances of the Moldovan breaking his goal drought look slim.
Steven Gerrard v Serghei Covalciuc
Named England captain by Roy Hodgson when he took over the national side, the influential Gerrard will come up against Covalciuc in the midfield battle. The Moldovan currently plays in Kazakhstan with FC Aktobe but spent six seasons at Russian side Spartak Moscow, helping them secure runners-up spot in the Premier League three times and a place in the UEFA Champions League.
Jermain Defoe v Petru Racu
England forward Defoe will be hoping to have a field day in front of the Moldova goal but one man ready to stand in his way is imposing defender Racu. The 25-year-old has steadily converted from a striker, to a midfielder, and then to centre-back as he hopped across Scandinavia during spells with Norrkoping, MyPA and, most recently, Danish side Hjorring. He is now a free agent.
