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It's St Etienne again

Euro 2016: Look away England fans, the last time the Three Lions played in St Etienne was THAT Argentina game at the 1998 World Cup

Roy Hodgson and Co will be hoping to have a slightly more drama-free clash at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard 18 years on

ENGLAND are currently preparing for their final Group B showdown of Euro 2016 as they take on Slovakia in Saint-Etienne.

The Three Lions have endured a mixed bag so far this tournament - first of all shipping a late equaliser against Russia to drop two points, before netting a crucial, last-gasp strike against Wales to snatch a famous win.

 Daniel Sturridge netted a late winner for England against Wales in the second game of the group stage to put Roy Hodgson's side in a very strong position
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Daniel Sturridge netted a late winner for England against Wales in the second game of the group stage to put Roy Hodgson's side in a very strong positionCredit: Reuters

But the real story of the night doesn't involve Slovakia or Wales, or even Russia... It's all about the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.

The last time the Three Lions graced the St Etienne turf, was against a certain old enemy, Argentina.

And what a thriller it was.

Firstly, Argentinian legend Gabriel Batistuta got his side off to a flying start, netting in the fourth minute from the penalty spot, having been brought down by David Seaman.

 Michael Owen scored one of the most iconic England goals ever scored, aged just 18, when the Three Lions took on Argentina in Saint Etienne 18 long years ago
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Michael Owen scored one of the most iconic England goals ever scored, aged just 18, when the Three Lions took on Argentina in Saint Etienne 18 long years agoCredit: Getty

Alan Shearer quickly got England back on level terms - also from the penalty spot, before a young Michael Owen scored one of the greatest England goals of all time.

The then Liverpool man weaved through a number of defenders before unleashing a powerful shot into the top left hand corner of the net, aged just 18.

In a breathless first half, Argentina levelled up proceedings through a Javier Zanetti free-kick.

 David Beckham saw red for kicking out at now Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone when England last took to the Saint Etienne turf at the 1998 World Cup
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David Beckham saw red for kicking out at now Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone when England last took to the Saint Etienne turf at the 1998 World Cup

And in case you'd forgotten this game in St Etienne also saw David Beckham's infamous kick out at Diego Simeone, resulting in a red card.

The knockout stage game ultimately went to penalties, with England missing out on a spot in the quarter finals thanks to a tame Gareth Batty penalty.

No doubt Roy will be hoping to avoid any of the dramatics tonight... At least the thought of penalties can be left in the back of the mind for now.

But which of the present day squad resemble some of the stars on show that fateful night at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard?

 Tottenham's Harry Kane is arguably England's No1 penalty-taking option, but he missed his last spot-kick when England took on Turkey in a pre-Euros friendly
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Tottenham's Harry Kane is arguably England's No1 penalty-taking option, but he missed his last spot-kick when England took on Turkey in a pre-Euros friendlyCredit: Getty Images

Well, if we need a Shearer to step up and take a powerful spot kick, that honour would surely go to Harry Kane.

The Tottenham man has been in scintillating form through 2015-16 and is something of a spot-kick specialist - that friendly miss against Turkey aside.

Who would play the role of Seaman? Joe Hart of course. Hodgson will be hoping he manages to avoid any unnecessary contact in the box against the Slovakians, mind you.

 Marcus Rashford has shown the same skill and confidence in his fledgling career as that of a young Michael Owen all those years ago at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard
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Marcus Rashford has shown the same skill and confidence in his fledgling career as that of a young Michael Owen all those years ago at Stade Geoffroy-GuichardCredit: Reuters

Then there's the wonderkid bursting onto the back pages with a stunning solo strike. I give you Marcus Rashford.

The youngster looked cool and collected in his first competitive game when he came on against Wales and may be given another chance against Martin Skrtel and Co.

Which of England's midfield ranks will be our Becks for the day?

 Jack Wilshere could take the place of Wayne Rooney in the heart of the England midfield against Slovakia, but hopefully he wont see red like David Beckham
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Jack Wilshere could take the place of Wayne Rooney in the heart of the England midfield against Slovakia, but hopefully he wont see red like David BeckhamCredit: AP:Associated Press

You'd have to go with Jack Wilshere on that one. He's never shied away from controversy but would also be hugely missed if he were to see red on the night.

When all is said and done, England v Slovakia in St Etienne won't be as exciting as that night in 98.

It just couldn't be... Could it?

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