Slovenia won't sit back versus England, says coach

By foxsports
Published

Slovenia won't sit back and defend against England on Wednesday even though a draw will be enough for the team to reach the second round of the World Cup for the first time, according to coach Matjaz Kek.

Kek said there is no need to alter a style that has unexpectedly taken the team top of Group C following the first two games.

``We will play as we have been playing so far,'' Kek said Tuesday. ``Slovenia has scored three goals and I don't know why we should change our strategy. We feel confident, we are courageous and we will be able to face up to England.''

The World Cup's smallest country - it has a population of barely 2 million - only needs a point to progress to the second round after having beaten Algeria 1-0 and then blowing a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with the United States.

In its only previous appearance at the World Cup, Slovenia lost all three of its group games in 2002.

England, by contrast, needs a win to guarantee a place in the last 16 following two draws against the United States and Algeria. All four teams can still progress to the next round.

Kek said Slovenia won't be intimidated by what will likely be a predominantly pro-England crowd.

``The stakes are very high,'' Kek said. ``England have to go to the second round; Slovenia wish to go to the second round ... Most fans at the stadium will be in favor of England, but we have also shown that we play very good in the face of so much opposition.''

Kek would not be drawn on the apparent problems facing England following former captain John Terry's disclosures of apparent discontent in the camp.

``I am just dealing with the problems Slovenia face, not focusing on the problems England face,'' Kek said. ``It's a fight to get to the knockout phase and it is an additional motivation to play against a team that has been so big ... but if we play our game tomorrow, I am sure we can get to the second round.''

Slovenia and England were unable to train at the stadium Tuesday amid concerns over the pitch following heavy rain last week.