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England v Wales: Roy Hodgson must decide Raheem Sterling, Jamie Vardy and Jack Wilshere roles

England's forward Jamie Vardy is seen on the substitute bench during the Euro 2016 group B football match between England and Russia at the Stade Velodrome

Roy Hodgson has several selection issues to address ahead of England's Group B fixture with Wales on Thursday.

The country's record cap holder Peter Shilton says it is a game England should win "nine times out of 10" but Wales - led by star man Gareth Bale - are fired up for the challenge and top the group after their opening round victory over Slovakia.

Russia's late equaliser in Marseille means England cannot afford any more slip-ups if they want to top their pool and secure a more advantageous passage in the knockout phase, so how can Hodgson maximise his side's chances of success?

We look at three dilemmas he may be mulling over…

Stick with Sterling?

MARSEILLE, FRANCE - JUNE 11:  Raheem Sterling of England shoots during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group B match between England and Russia at Stade Velodrome on Ju
Image: Raheem Sterling started for England against Russia

"One player that might be under pressure is Raheem Sterling," said Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp after England's opening weekend draw with Russia. "He didn't play as well as he would have liked. He was the only player that didn't play at the level, although he did OK at times and his pace can stretch teams."

Indeed, there were moments when Sterling's dribbling and speed on the break put England on the front foot in Marseille, but his final ball and first touch in the opposition third often frustrated.

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He completed just one accurate cross and no through balls found their target before he was withdrawn on 86 minutes. In failing to control a high ball which dropped to him in the box, Sterling wasted a golden chance to test Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev in the second half.

However, Hodgson explained Sterling's withdrawal was due to the hard work he had put in rather than his performance and it's worth remembering the England manager fielded the Man City forward eight times in qualifying - no outfield player made more appearances. It seems likely Hodgson will stick with Sterling in Lens.

Give Vardy a chance?

England's forward Jamie Vardy is seen on the substitute bench during the Euro 2016 group B football match between England and Russia at the Stade Velodrome
Image: Jamie Vardy will be itching for game time against Wales

Harry Kane went into Euro 2016 as England's main striker and, despite struggling to make an impact against Russia, the top scorer in the Premier League last season is unlikely to be dropped to the bench against Wales.

However, after failing to fire a single shot on target and recording the fewest touches of any outfield player to complete 90 minutes (34), Kane was far from his best on Saturday.

Could he be feeling the effects of a long 2015/16 season? Of the England squad at the Euros, only Eric Dier, Chris Smalling and Nathaniel Clyne played more minutes for club and country than Kane last season and former England caretaker boss Peter Taylor said "he didn't look quite right".

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With Jamie Vardy - Premier League champion after netting 24 times for Leicester City last season - waiting in the wings, England have an obvious alternative. Vardy was unfortunate to miss out on a starting spot against Russia and there were calls for him to be introduced as England's opponents tired in the second half.

Perhaps Hodgson will be tempted to utilise the pacy Leicester ace should Kane fail to break through Wales' defence on Thursday. Another way to get Vardy onto the field would be in one of the wide positions either side of Kane, occupied by Sterling and Adam Lallana against Russia. It's not a role Vardy favours but one he has performed several times for his country.

Work Wilshere into starting XI?

Jack Wilshere of England comes on a s second half substitute for Wayne Rooney of England during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group B ma
Image: Jack Wilshere was a second-half sub for Wayne Rooney against Russia

Hodgson is clearly a fan of Jack Wilshere - his presence at Euro 2016 after an injury-plagued season with Arsenal is proof of that - but will he try to find a starting spot for the Arsenal midfielder against Wales?

Wilshere has certainly shown he's fired up for the fixture with his pre-game comments and showed some nice touches in his 13-minute cameo against Russia. However, with captain Wayne Rooney and youngster Dele Alli impressing in midfield in the opener and anchor Dier England's best player in Marseille, a starting spot for Wilshere would probably require a change in formation in Lens.

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James Milner played alongside Dier, Alli and Rooney in the friendly against Portugal, when the skipper was moved to the tip of a midfield diamond - but that was far from a success, with the tactic negatively affecting Kane and Vardy's performances up front.

Speaking after the draw with Russia, Hodgson explained Wilshere was subbed on for Rooney as he felt the 24-year-old "would do a similar job". With the captain currently first choice, Wilshere will most likely have to settle for another role off the bench on Thursday. 

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