Russia, Slovakia bid to put pressure on England

Russia's opening game on Saturday was overshadowed by the trouble that flared in the city of Marseille and in the stands at the Stade Velodrome at full time.

UEFA has since opened disciplinary proceedings against Russia for the crowd disturbances, as well as racist behaviour and the letting off of fireworks, and has threatened them with expulsion from the competition if violence flares again.

And with England and Wales playing each other in nearby Lens on Thursday, the threat of more incidents between rival supporters in Lille will be of serious concern to local authorities.

But on the pitch in Marseille there was a happy ending for Leonid Slutsky's side as captain Vasili Berezutski's stoppage-time equaliser saw them earn a 1-1 draw against the Group B favourites.

That also means a victory at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, a day before England face Wales just along the road, would pile pressure on Roy Hodgson's men in particular.

"I am not a saviour and one point does not really mean that much," Berezutski told UEFA.com, playing down the significance of his goal before Slutsky's side travelled to the northern city of Lille to face the Slovakians.

Russia saw key midfield duo Igor Denisov and Alan Dzagoev withdraw from their squad due to injury before the tournament, while back-up goalkeeper Yuri Lodygin missed training on Tuesday.

Meanwhile midfielder Denis Glushakov, who was used from the bench against England, could come into the Russian starting line-up providing he shakes off a calf strain.