For Gareth Southgate’s England, it was simple enough: beat Slovenia at home on Thursday night, and a place at next summer’s World Cup was theirs.
Five points clear at the top of their qualifying group heading in to the game, the Three Lions were much fancied to get the job done before a weekend trip to Lithuania.
After all, this was only Slovenia – the 55th best team in the world, according to Fifa rankings.
Already unhappy at Southgate’s decision to name out of form Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the starting line-up, England fans were also far from impressed with another aspect of the England manager’s starting XI.
Here's how we reckon the #ThreeLions will shape up this evening… 👇 pic.twitter.com/VAG1dUTedW
— England (@England) October 5, 2017
Despite the inferior opposition, Southgate named two holding midfielders for the game – Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier – much to the disappointment of many supporters.
https://twitter.com/craigmcfc1981/status/916010075055022080
2 holding midfielders against Slovenia? Chamberlain? I’d rather watch antiques roadshow #SouthgateOut
— Ewan Melling (@ewan1882) October 5, 2017
2 defensive minded midfielders at home to Slovenia 🙄
— Matt (@92ginge) October 5, 2017
https://twitter.com/angrypenguin666/status/916016380637470720
2 defensive cm's in front of a back 4 at home to Slovenia sets us up for an exciting evening #ENGSLO
— Wayne Doran (@waynedoran10) October 5, 2017
England home to Slovenia so don't see why we need 2 holding midfielders. Need players who can open up a packed defence #bbcfootball #ENGSLO
— Ian Gobo Funnell (@gobofunnell) October 5, 2017
https://twitter.com/seanlovatt/status/916001382741663744
2 Defensive holding midfielders against Slovenia…Really 🙄🤦🏻♂️👊😤☹️
— Ian Taylor (@Ian_Taylor79) October 5, 2017
