GALLES – ENGLAND | Tuesday 8pm
England could have made it through to the round of 16 with one round to spare and treated themselves to a carefree final day of the group stage, but a half-hearted misstep against the USA forces the Three Lions’ national team to beat Wales to ensure they go through as first in Group B. The men coached by Gareth Southgate – increasingly criticised at home because of his questionable formation choices – are, however, masters of their own destiny: they have more points than anyone else, four, and in the event of a victory in the British derby with the Dragons, first place would be secure. A draw, on the other hand, would make everything more risky, although in the event of a tie with one of Iran and the USA, who will play each other in the other match, the English can count on a better goal difference, mainly thanks to the 6-2 goleada they beat the Iranians in the opening match.
The match against the United States is, however, to be interpreted as a worrying step backwards, especially on the offensive side of the pitch: after the flood of goals against Iran, which had made everyone’s eyes glaze over, England went back to being the sterile and confusing side we had seen at work in the last Nations League. What is the real face of Kane and co. at this point? The challenge against a back-to-the-wall Wales, who have no option but to win in order to try and save themselves from a corner, will probably tell us.
Robert Page and his men must take the three points against their ‘neighbours’ and at the same time hope that Iran-USA ends in a draw. In short, they look like they are a foot and a half out of the event and only a sporting miracle could prevent them from packing their bags after the rounds. Elimination, which in any case would not cause a stir, considering how little Wales have done in the two matches within their reach. Against the USA they avoided defeat thanks to a Bale penalty, while against Iran they capitulated (0-2) in the dying minutes after being reduced to 10 after Hennessey’s red card. Not a single goal from action, then, for the disappointing Dragons.
Wales-England: latest line-up news
Will this be Bale’s last game in a Wales shirt? We can’t rule it out, but it will still be the Los Angeles FC striker’s turn to shoulder the brunt of the attack. It is likely that coach Page – who is in danger of being sacked in the event of elimination – will re-propose the 3-4-3 with the former Real Madrid man in the offensive trident along with James and Moore. In goal there will not be the disqualified Hennessey, but his reserve Ward. Still on the bench for Allen, recovered from injury but in the dock for the serious inattention on Iran’s first goal.
On the other hand, Southgate seems to be deaf to the demands of the English press to include Alexander-Arnold and Foden among the starters. The two will continue to start from the bench: on the right flank Walker is ahead of Trippier, while behind captain Kane, still strangely without a goal, should be Sterling, Mount and Saka.
The Prediction
It’s hard to give blindfolded confidence to a two-faced England side, overwhelming against Iran and blunt against the USA. Qualification, however, is not in question, as the English would be in the round of 16 with a draw or even in the event of defeat by less than four goals. In our opinion, a reaction will still come after the criticism received in the post-match against the USA. Kane and his teammates will avoid defeat against a Wales side that will probably still miss the appointment with the goal.
This week’s Wales v England squad
- GALLES (3-4-3): Ward; Mepham, Rodon, Davies; Roberts, Ramsey, Ampadu, Williams; James, Moore, Bale.
- INGHILTERRA (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham; Sterling, Mount, Saka; Kane.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 0-2