England head coach Eddie Jones will be sweating over the fitness of back-rower Billy Vunipola who could miss Saturday’s encounter with Fiji at Twickenham. The powerful number eight has been a key figure in the England pack, throughout their unbeaten season in 2016 so far.
Jonny May, the 26-year-old Gloucester player will start on one wing and Marland Yarde on the other, with Semesa Rokoduguni missing out. Northampton’s Tom Wood has also been included in the 25-man squad for the match against the Springboks and is expected to start at open-side flanker, with Chris Robshaw and Billy Vunipola completing the back row. Wood has been recalled to the squad because of injuries to James Haskell, Maro Itoje, Jack Clifford, Sam Jones and Mike Williams.
Interim head coach Gareth Southgate says his only focus is ensuring England remain top of their World Cup qualifying group by defeating Scotland on Friday.
Wayne Rooney has vowed to give his all for England after being left out of the starting XI for the World Cup qualifier against Slovenia in Ljubljana.
England vs Malta
European Qualifiers – 2018 World Cup
Date: Saturday 8th October 2016.
Kick-off: 19:45 UK
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London.
Three Lions lock horns with Group F minnows Malta at the 90,000 capacity Wembley Stadium.
Lallana conjured a last minutes goal to hand England her first 3 point of the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers. The three lions walked away with the maximum point from Trnava, as they narrowed pass Slovakia by a 1-0 score line. And England sits 2nd on the Group F with 3 points and 3 goals difference shot off group leader.
Legends don’t come any bigger, at Stoke City or in English football, than Gordon Banks. Banks of England became Banks of Stoke City after leaving Leicester City in 1967 to set up home at the Victoria Ground. And to this day, as club president and general all-round good guy, the Yorkshire-born goalkeeper remains a familiar and hugely popular figure in and around his adopted home in North Staffordshire.