England vs Wales: EURO 2016 Group B Preview & Prediction

It’s the game that everyone in England and Wales has been waiting for, with the two home nations facing-off in a crucial Euro 2016 clash at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens on Thursday afternoon.

Wales top Group B following their opening win over Slovakia, and they know that should they beat England, who have been threatened with disqulaifcaiton should there be any more trouble in the stadiums, in north-eastern France, they will qualify for the last 16, and leave their arch-rivals in a precarious position.

England were left to rue a number of missed chances as they were held to a 1-1 draw with Russia, despite dominating the game last Saturday, in a result that was almost secondary following the violent altercations before, during and after the game in Marseille.

Eric Dier’s brilliant free-kick was not enough as captain Vasili Berezutski headed in a dramatic equaliser in second half stoppage time for the Russians.

Meanwhile, Wales are at the summit of the group following their enthralling 2-1 win over Slovakia on Saturday, their first win at their first ever European Championship finals. Reading forward Hal Robson-Kanu netted the winner with seven minutes remaining after Ondrej Duda had cancelled out Gareth Bale’s free-kick, his 20th for his country.

Many have questioned whether this will have the feel of a Premier League fixture, but it must be noted that four of Wales starting XI against the Slovakians didn’t play a single minute of top flight football last term.

These two sides last met in 2011 at Wembley in Euro 2012 qualifying, with England triumphing 1-0 thanks to an Ashley Young goal, while this is only the second time England will face another country from the UK in a major tournament – they won the first 2-0 against Scotland at Euro 1996.

England and Wales have met a total of 101 times in international football dating all the way back to the first in 1879, with England winning 66 of the encounters. Wales have managed just the 14 victories, the last one of those coming in a British Championships game in 1984, where a young Mark Hughes netted the winner on his debut in a 1-0 win.

Hal Robson-Kanu of Wales celebrates after scoring his nation’s winning goal against Slovakia. Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Team News:

All of the England squad trained on Wednesday meaning Roy Hodgson has a fully-fit squad to choose from for the crunch clash. After the draw against Russia, he may look to Jack Wilshere to add some dynamism to midfield, whilst Jamie Vardy will also be pushing to make an appearance having not come off the bench on Saturday.

Wales meanwhile may have to make a late decision on goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, who missed the Slovakia game with a back spasm. That could see Danny Ward again start in his place, with Joe Ledley and Hal Robson-Kanu also looking to be in the starting XI having made positive impacts off the bench last Saturday.

FIFA World Ranking: England – 11th; Wales – 26th
Best European Championship Finish: England – Third (1968); Wales – First Tournament
Previous Meeting: England 1-0 Wales (September 6, 2011 – Euro 2012 Qualifier)
Form: England – WLWWWD; Wales – WLDLLW
Key Men: England – Harry Kane; Wales – Gareth Bale
Shoot Says: England 1-1 Wales