England resume their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign with a trip to San Marino. The Three Lions currently occupy second place in Group H, securing eight points out of a possible 12 after the end of four games.

Roy Hodgson
Reuters

Where To Watch

Kick-off is set for 8pm GMT. Live coverage of the game will be available on ITV 1 and ITV 1 HD.

Overview

San Marino enter this game after their 3-0 defeat to Montenegro in November 2012. The hosts are suffering a poor run in the qualifiers as they have failed to manage a single victory so far. Giampaolo Mazza's side are currently at the bottom of the Group H and are yet to open their account after four matches.

The hosts have major concerns for the tie against England as the reverse fixture at the Wembley saw the Three Lions win 5-0. The tie does not favour San Marino as they have conceded 16 goals in four games and are yet to score. England, on the other hand, have scored 12 goals while conceding only two.

Roy Hodgson's men come into this tie after their 2-1 win over South American giants Brazil during the friendly at Wembley in February. Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney opened the scoring in the first half before Chelsea star Frank Lampard netted the winner in the final half hour of the game.

The visitors' previous fixture in the qualifying round was against Poland; a 1-1 draw in October. England are currently unbeaten in the group stages and Hodgson would be expecting a similar display against San Marino on Friday, in order to continue their recent run. A victory against San Marino could see them climb to the top of the table, if Montenegro loses their tie against Moldova.

England Players
England players take part in a team training session at the Serravalle Stadium in San Marino. Reuters

Form Guide

San Marino

  • Last Five (most recent first): L L L L L
  • Last Result: Montenegro 3-0 San Marino

England

  • Last Five (most recent first): W L W D W
  • Last Result: England 2-1 Brazil

Team News

Mazza has no injury worries for the tie against the Three Lions. Matteo Vitaioli and Danilo Rinaldi are likely to lead San Marino's attack. Aldo Simoncini is likely to start at goal.

Probable Line-Up: Simoncini; Valle, Benedettini, Bollini, Cervellini; Palazzi, Vannucci, Cibelli, Coppini; Rinaldi, Vitaioli

Hodgson has a few issues at the back as United defender Rio Ferdinand withdrew from the sqaud. The 34-year-olds club team mate Chris Smalling, along with Manchester City centre-back Joleon Lescott, could start for the Three Lions. Rooney and Danny Welbeck are likely to lead England's attacking division, while Liverpool star Steven Gerrard will be in the heart of the midfield.

Probable Line-Up: Hart; Johnson, Smalling, Lescott, Cole; Walcott, Carrick, Gerrard, Milner; Rooney, Welbeck