England face Wales in Euro 2016 on Thursday afternoon in a crucial Group B encounter. The Three Lions started their Euro campaign with a 1-1 draw against Russia, while Wales got off to a winning start, beating Slovakia 2-1 on Saturday.
The battle of the two British nations promises to be a tense and feisty one. A defeat will almost guarantee an end to England’s Euro campaign while a draw probably won’t be good enough as well. Anything less than a victory will put them under tremendous pressure going into the final game.
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Chris Coleman’s side, on the other hand, are brimming with confidence at the moment and are at 6/4 with William Hill to finish at the top of Group B, although Roy Hodgson’s England are still resounding favourites with the bookies. They are 5/6 with William Hill to top their group.
England have quality players at every position and are 8/15 to pick up full three points on Thursday. Wales are 6/1 to win against England but are 1/8 to qualify (which seems a safer bet) from their group.
Although Hodgson’s side are strong favourites among the bookies, Wales have enough firepower in their ranks to cause England trouble.
Gareth Bale
The Real Madrid superstar became the first player to score for Wales with their first ever shot on target at European championships when he found the net against Slovakia in the previous match.
The Welshman is a reported summer transfer target for Manchester United with Spanish media reporting the Red Devils are considering making a €120m world record bid to secure his services. He has been simply sensational for his country, scoring or assisting 10 of the last 12 goals in all competitive matches for Wales.
Bale has shouldered the burden of carrying his team forward almost single-handedly, scoring or assisting 10 of the last 12 goals in all competitive matches for Wales. The former Spurs star is 19/10 with William Hill to score anytime during the match on Thursday.
Aaron Ramsey
The Arsenal superstar was involved in the build-up to Wales’ second and winning goal against Slovakia. Ramsey is the central creative playmaker for his side and England must make plans to stop him from getting into dangerous areas and exert his influence.
Joe Allen
The Liverpool midfielder has rediscovered his form under Jurgen Klopp in 2015/16 and was brilliant against Slovakia as well. Allen is very good at ball retention and he will make sure Wales maintain a healthy possession throughout. At international stages, games are often won and lost in midfield, and England’s chances of winning the game will improve, should they prevent Allen from dominating the midfield.
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