England vs Wales - preview

VS

- Latest events

ENGLAND

·         England suffered the bigger “punch in the stomach” with Russia’s goal just before the final whistle and they did a good game and can’t get desperate.

·         There are some major questions about how Hodgson will display his team, and if Kane keeps taking corners, after such mockery and incomprehension.   

·         They need a win, and will face an opponent that is going to want to further drown them in the table

WALES

·         Their first ever game in a Euro resulted in a fantastic win against Slovakia.

·         Chris Coleman showed all the qualities demonstrated in qualification, and with Bale active as needed, Wales can dream with bigger things.

·         Beating England would surely mean a lot, and it’s fairly predictable that they will fight for it until the end

- Areas to follow

ENGLAND

·         Defense

There wasn’t that much to fault them, even though they did concede a goal, as they had little to no trouble during the whole opening match. Against Wales they won’t have such an easy time as, though Wales expected to defend a lot, they will never fail to eye the counter  

·         Midfield

It was one of the big talking points, if Hodgson would keep faith in the diamond shaped 4-4-2 or would go back to the 4-3-3. The change back occurred and you cannot say that it’s not justified, as England did a good game and they deserved more. They did miss Wilshere and is ability to penetrate in the oppositions’ backline

·         Attack

Changing back to the 4-3-3 meant that Vardy was benched and that Kane would have to rely on himself and his wingers to create danger. The Tottenham player didn’t have the best of games, and was even one of the biggest talking points, during and after, but for the fact that he was taking corners, something that is bit out of character, really.  

             

WALES

·            Defense

It Williams commanding, Wales defended a lot and most of the times brilliantly, against Slovakia. After Bale’s goal in the beginning, Slovakia had to push forward, but all their plans were frustrated by the Welsh fighting spirit. And when they were, indeed, beaten, they stroke luck with the 2^nd goal and got the win.

·             Midfield

If Joe Ledley is able to start the game this time, after twenty great minutes vs Slovakia, Wales has a trio in him, Ramsay and Allen that knows the opponent very well, and will know how to try and cut them out. All this while pushing to help Bale up ahead.    

·             Attack

Bale is the head of the Dragon, but he started the game without his wings, the strong and winning goal scorer Robson-Kanu, that with the goal will probably start. His presence will be important to avoid England’s overloading, and Wales knows they have two players extremely motivated to score again in the competition.    

- FIL’S VERDICT

England has a tough and decisive match, where failing to win will mean they will face tougher opposition in the knockout stages. Hodgson’s squad played well against Russia, creating chances, dominating possession and just missed the win due to poor finishing and that late minute lack of concentration.
 As for Wales, it’s the perfect storm. They believe they can win their neighbors and rivals, and they know they can try and soak up the pressure, as England is the team that is really in need of the victory. Chris Coleman will likely ask his team to sit deep and try to unleash Bale in the counter, as it worked so many times recently

 

FIL’S PREDICTION

ENGLAND 1-1 WALES