Hungary in focus ahead of Wembley date with England

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Hungary v England – FIFA World Cup 2022 – European Qualifying – Group I – Puskas Arena
(Image credit: Attila Trenka)

Hungary will face England at Wembley on Tuesday with plenty of problems and distractions for under-pressure boss Marco Rossi.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the visitors to London.

Rossi under pressure

Hungary v Republic Of Ireland – International Friendly – Szusza Ferenc Stadium

Marco Rossi, pictured, has overseen three defeats in four games for Hungary (Attila Trenka/PA)

Italian boss Rossi has been at the Hungary helm since 2018, but the 57-year-old has no intention whatsoever of walking away from a sticky situation. Asked if he would consider resigning should Hungary lose, off the back of three defeats in four matches, he left little doubt with his reply. “In a coach’s job if the results don’t come he has two options: either give up and leave or keep fighting,” said Rossi. “I’ve never been the type to give up and I don’t want to start that tomorrow night either.”

Only the best will do

Hungary v England – FIFA World Cup 2022 – European Qualifying – Group I – Puskas Arena

Harry Kane, pictured, celebrates his goal in England’s 4-0 win in Hungary (Attila Trenka/PA)

England thumped Hungary 4-0 in Budapest on September 2, leaving Rossi and his players in no doubt of the power of Gareth Southgate’s side. And now the manager has told his side that only a flawless performance will be enough to gain a result against the beaten European Championship finalists.

Form

Consecutive 1-0 defeats by Albania have all but ended Hungary’s hopes of reaching the World Cup, especially when paired with that 4-0 thrashing by England.

PA Staff