England take on Wales in the first match of Matchday 6 in a fierce derby match of Group B at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens. “The battle of Britain” promises to be a crunch encounter between the neighbors and rivals, as Wales look to seal qualification for the knockout stages of UEFA Euro 2016.
England dominated the Russians for most of the match, but had only one goal to show for it. Missed chances by English forwards came back to haunt them as the Russians scored an injury-time equaliser to snatch a point off England.
However, England showed a lot of attacking flair in their opening game and will be looking to repeat the same against their neighbours. Wales had a flying start to their Euro 2016 campaign and will look to win the match against England, which would all but guarantee a spot in the knockout phase.
A late goal by Hal Robson-Kanu inspired them and helped them secure the 3 points against Slovakia, in their opening match of the European Championship. The Welsh team would be pumped up to face the challenge of the English.
England
England played well for most of the game against Russia, with Eric Dier’s brilliant free kick giving them the lead in the second half. But it was not enough to help them get the three points in their opening match. Leicester City striker James Vardy, who fired the Foxes to their maiden EPL title, can come in to partner Harry Kane – who had a disappointing first match.
Adam Lallana had a very good match and will be looking to repeat his good performance against a strong Welsh defense, while Raheem Sterling’s pace troubled the Russian back line time and again. Wayne Rooney was brilliant with his passing from midfield and answered the critics, who thought that the midfield job was not suited for the Manchester United man.
He can play long balls to the likes of Kane, Lallana and Sterling, which will be dangerous for the opposition. Roy Hodgson might look to change his formation from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 in this all important match.
Wales
Wales claimed a very important 3 points against Slovakia, and will look to qualify for the playoffs with a win against their derby rivals, England. The players are charged up for their match against their neighbours and will be dependent on their star forward, Gareth Bale, to provide them with goals.
Joe Allen and David Edwards will be sitting back guarding the back-line while, Aaron Ramsey and Jonny Williams will be seen completing the four-man midfield. With already a win in their bag, Wales can choose their moments to attack. Chris Coleman’s side will be looking to sit back and counter-attack England with Bale’s pace.
While a win will guarantee a spot in the top 16, they won’t be disappointed with a draw either. Wales are expected to play the 5-4-1 formation they played against Slovakia, with 3 centre-backs and 2 wing-backs.
Head-to-Head
England have played Wales a staggering 101 times before this fixture.
England has won 66 matches, while Wales have won 14. 21 matches have ended in a draw.
The teams last faced each other at Wembley in 2011. England won that match 1-0, which put them on the verge of Euro 2012 qualification.
England vs Wales at Euro 2016 will be the first time, the two nations faced each other at a major tournament.
Match Prediction
The football match will be a close and fiercely fought one. Both the teams will look to win the match and put themselves in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament. With both the teams having so much quality in attack, the match can be expected to be a high-scoring one. Predicted scoreline for the “Battle of Britain” is a 2-2 draw.
