EURO 2016: England v Wales preview

England will be looking to rise up against rivals Wales after their hammer-blow draw with Russia left Chris Coleman’s side two points clear at the top of Group B.

History shows that England should get a positive result and Wales be the underdogs, according to 888Sport Euro odds England are odds-on to win at 13/25, but with Ashley Williams, Joe Allen and global sensation Gareth Bale forming the spine of a usually static Wales side over the decades a tight affair is expected on Thursday.

In the lead up to the match Bale has shown no hesitancy in goading the England camp into a war of words, saying “I think we’ve got a lot more passion and pride about us than them. We’ll definitely show that on the day.”

“They big themselves up before they’ve done anything, so we’re going to go there and we believe we can beat them,” the Real Madrid star remarked, with a win likely to seal Wales’ qualification to the knockout stages of Euro 2016.

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere hit back with tongue-in-cheek, declaring “we know that Wales don’t like us. Do we like them? Not really!”

England head coach Roy Hodgson is likely to stick with the same starting XI that walked out at the Stade Velodrome and delivered an entertaining performance. What will prove key is Hodgson’s adaptations after failed substitutions saw the Three Lions‘ control of their first game slip. Will Jamie Vardy be brought on early in the second half should Wales’ 5-3-2 formation strangle lone striker Harry Kane’s ability to influence England’s attack?

Waiting in the wings: Hodgson must be more wise in the timing of his substitution (photo by Action Images)

As for Wales, Wayne Hennessey is expected to replace Danny Ward in goal after an untimely back spasm ruled the Crystal Palace out of the 2-1 win over Slovakia on the morning of the match. That is the only switch Coleman is likely to make with match-winner Hal Robson-Kanu set to feature off the bench in the second-half.

Elsewhere in Group B, Russia and Slovakia could add to the pressure on England when they play each other in Lille on Wednesday.

For all the up-to-date news in France, check out 888Sport’s blog with plenty of reflection on the entertainment at Euro 2016.