Vardy, Sturridge must start for England: Shearer

Former England striker Alan Shearer believes that head coach Roy Hodgson must start with Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge up front against Slovakia in their last group stage European Football Championship clash here on Monday.

Vardy and Sturridge came off the bench to score a goal each to help England beat Wales 2-1 on Thursday.

"I think Roy Hodgson will start with Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge up front against Slovakia -- he has to," Shearer was quoted as saying by BBC on Friday.

"This is not the end of Harry Kane's tournament and he still has a big part to play at Euro 2016. But after the impact Vardy and Sturridge made off the bench to help England beat Wales, I can't see him starting our final game in Group B," he said.

"Roy will have to find a system to fit two players up top in Vardy and Sturridge but they don't both have to play as out-and-out strikers."

After drawing 1-1 against Russia in their Euro opener, England came back strongly from a goal down to beat Wales 2-1 on Thursday.

"England's other substitute on Thursday, Marcus Rashford, was again very impressive when he came on for what was his competitive debut but starting with him as well might be too bold," he said.

"Roy had all three on the pitch on Thursday because he was chasing the game, but it would be very brave to start a match with three and a half centre-forwards in the side. I say 'half' because you would class Wayne Rooney as a forward as well, even if he is operating a lot deeper."

--IANS

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