Monday 10 October 2016 13:46, UK
Slovenia manager Srecko Katanec will be delighted if - as Sky Sports News HQ expects - Wayne Rooney is dropped from the England team for Tuesday night's World Cup Qualifier.
Sky sources understand that Rooney will start the game on the bench as boss Gareth Southgate changes his team following an underwhelming performance in the 2-0 win over Malta on Saturday.
Rooney's place in the side has been under scrutiny since England's abject departure from Euro 2016.
Katanec - speaking before SSN HQ broke the news that Rooney had been left out - admitted he would rather not have to face Rooney.
"I would not be surprised if he was dropped," Katanec said. "Wayne Rooney is a leader of this team, he has the experience a captain needs and it is quite hard to substitute him or leave him out.
"But it is also true that he is not the youngest anymore and maybe his form has taken a little dip.
"[But] Because of his experience and quality I would rather he would not start than he does start."
Slovenia, who lost twice to England in Euro 2016 qualifying, go into the game on the back of a morale-boosting 1-0 victory over Slovakia.
But Katanec wants his men to approach the game in measured fashion.
"I warned the guys against too much euphoria after the Slovakia result," he continued. "You cannot compare the two teams.
"England has a lot more quality in every way. The team functions very well and we expect a tough match in every aspect.
"England have very quick players and very fast in transition from defence to attack. But we don't need to be afraid of the game or afraid to lose. The guys are unburdened."
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