England can clinch World Cup berth against Slovenia

England is close to securing qualification for the 2018 World Cup, and can lock up its bid to Russia with a win over Slovenia Thursday.

Despite England’s qualifying bid starting controversially, with Sam Allardyce resigning as manager after alleged ethical violations, the Three Lions haven’t had any trouble getting to the top of their group. England is currently undefeated in qualifying with six wins and two draws, putting them five points ahead of second-placed Slovakia.

But the race for second and a playoff spot is tight. Slovenia is one of the teams in contention — it sits just one point behind Slovakia, as does Scotland. A draw would keep Slovenia alive until the last match day, but it’s possible that it needs two wins to progress. Scotland and Slovakia face off on Thursday as well.

While 34-year-old Jermain Defoe makes another appearance in the England squad, Gareth Southgate has mostly called in a young group. All of Jordan Pickford, Harry Maguire, and Harry Winks could make their England debuts during this international break. There are also five other non-goalkeepers with five caps or fewer in the team — Aaron Cresswell, Michael Keane, Kieran Trippier, Jake Livermore, and Jesse Lingard.

In the United States, the game is on Fox Sports Go and Fox Soccer Match Pass. In England, you can catch it on the ITV Player.

Match date/time: Thursday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 7:45 p.m. local

Venue: Wembley Stadium, London

TV: Fox Deportes (U.S.), ITV (U.K.)