It is a rare meeting between the home nations of football, as the small city of Lens hosts the high-profile Group B clash between England and Wales. Join The Roar from 11pm (AEST) for live scores.
This is a match-up the Welsh faithful have craved for too long, having long put up with English barbs about their shortcomings.
England’s final-minute defensive capitulation against Russia means the Three Lions need a win for more reasons than mere bragging rights.
Last night at the Euros:
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While third place may be sufficient to progress, it won’t be enough to change notions that England remains little more than an assortment of talented individuals, unable to effectively combine.
At least Wales’ modus operandi is clear – the team functions around the abilities to service their marked talisman Gareth Bale. England have no such luxury.
Roy Hodgson needs changes in his formation to both subdue the threat Bale brings, as well as enhance England’s attacking prowess, following a host of chances missed against Russia. Striker Harry Kane and midfielder Adam Lallana were the main culprits, while Raheem Sterling offered little down the left flank.
Hodgson may switch to a 4-2-2-2 formation, focusing on central areas, forcing Wales to operate from the flanks. Expect James Milner to start and goalscorer Eric Dier in the central midfield, while Wayne Rooney may start upfield alongside Dele Alli.
Kane could benefit from the presence of Jamie Vardy or Daniel Sturridge, while no change is expected in defence despite England’s late concession against Russia.
For Wales, their first European campaign began with a win courtesy of Hal Robson-Kanu’s late winner against Slovakia. Of course, that was after a trademark free kick from Bale.
The temptation for coach Chris Coleman may be to restore vice-captain Joe Ledley to the midfield, possibly at the expense of David Edwards.
The fitness of number one keeper Wayne Hennessey will continue to be monitored, but his backup, Danny Ward, had a creditable performance against Slovakia.
Their attack revolves around the influence of Bale, but the roles of Aaron Ramsay and Joe Allen will likely be where the game is won, especially if they can provide space for wingers Chris Gunter and Neil Taylor, where England’s defence will be tested from crosses.
The late draw for England may benefit the quality of this game. England know anything but victory takes their fate out of their destiny, even with Slovakia to come.
For Wales, motivation is no problem in a game they will have wanted for years, and given the uncertainty surrounding their opponents, the time may be perfect to return a few barbs.
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
FULLTIME: England 2-1 Wales Many thanks for your company this morning. I'll be back in a few hours (sleep is such a sacrificial lamb during these tournaments) for the other derby of the day, Germany versus Poland in Group C. Will see you at 5am. At fulltime in Lens though, it finished England 2-1 Wales. A very good morning!
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
FULLTIME: England 2-1 Wales Well, it was the changes that needed to be made, but I thought they should have been made from the start, and not as a halftime act of desperation. It was the injection of Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge that turned this game for England, not only via Vardy's equaliser or Sturridge's winner, but their general play to start attacking the goalmouth of Wales more directly via the feet. But it all could have gone pearshaped for England after Gareth Bale put Wales in front with another free kick of such quality that it is beyond any superlative to describe it. That gave Wales a first half lead they scarcely deserved otherwise, but it was the introduction of Vardy that brought the equaliser, set up by Sturridge's cross, and then Vardy would then return the favour in the dying minutes, as Sturridge produced the moment he was needed for. England join Wales on four points at the top of Group B, and will now fancy their chances to progress, as they only require a draw at St Etienne against Slovakia. FULLTIME: England 2-1 Wales
Kurt
Guest
So England win with both goals scored by substitutes. No doubt about it, Hodgson has to go.
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'90+3: There is barely time left, but what a chance for Bale! Whopped in cross by Taylor, and Bale rises above all others to head the cross towards goal, but it's left of Hart's post , and the ensuing goalkick brings fulltime at Lens! What a fantastic reunion of these old foes, and they have produced a game to fondly recall for any neutral. But ask any Wales fan or player out there, and they will recall how a golden chance to beat their more fabled rivals slipped away. Hugs aplenty across the two sets of players. FULLTIME: England 2-1 Wales
df
Guest
That's a fair result.
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'90+2: Welsh hearts broken at the death! It is fantastic incisive work by Sturridge to pass direct into the box. It's laid off by Vardy, and then Rooney has a touch that falls to the Liverpool man, and he toepokes it past Hennessey's near post, and it's another late goal in this tournament, and they have rescued their Euro hopes from the fire! England 2-1 Wales
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'90+1: England now back in possession. GOAL - ENGLAND (STURRIDGE) England 2-1 Wales
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'90: Rooney's corner finds Cahill, but the timing of the leap is off, and it loops over the goal. He lets out a huge roar of frustration. Now Wales in a position to probe, it would be just like England's luck to concede now. Three minutes confirmed for added time. England 1-1 Wales
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'89: Long range shot by Walker deflects heavily off Davies for a corner. This may be last chance saloon for England. England 1-1 Wales
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'88: We approach the final crescendo of this game, and the ball once again is firmly in areas of interest for England. Wales however piling black shirts behind the ball though. England still probing. England 1-1 Wales
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'85: Hennessey slowing down the game again - not sure if that shows Wales are happy to take away a point here. The Wales contingent of the stadium are still keeping their voice, as a point will retain their lead in Group B. It isn't certain they have sealed progress, but it's England looking for a winner, to avoid a sudden death playoff against Slovakia. England 1-1 Wales
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'84: Cleared by Wales, and put out by Allen to touch. England looking the better of these two, but Wales awaiting their moment to counter. Bale has had a quiet game aside from that free kick. Still, the ball remains inside the Welsh half. England 1-1 Wales
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'82: Alli influential as ever in the centre of midfield, but he can't get the final ball towards either Vardy or Sturridge inside the Wales penalty area. But now England have a corner, as Hennessey has to clear a ball that was challenged by Vardy. England 1-1 Wales
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'78: Lovely first touch by Rooney to slip away from the duel challenge of Davies and Williams, before his shot is blocked by Chester. Both teams gearing up for a final push in these last 10 minutes, looking at a winner. Now Jon Williams with n opening, as he has a free run towards the England penalty area and then shoots slightly outside - it is well over, but the England defenders inexplicably held off from challenging the substitute forward. The search for a winner begins. England 1-1 Wales
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'76: While I can admire the desire to bring Rashford on, I still can't help but feel England could do with an extra man in midfield, especially a Jack Wilshere or Ross Barkley who can begin tiring out the Wales central midfielders and get the ball around the Wales penalty area more regularly. Still, 15 minutes for me to be proven wrong... England 1-1 Wales
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'75: Cross from Taylor finally releases Bale into the England box, but the header from him is airborne, and Jon Williams can't keep it in. England 1-1 Wales
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'74: All eyes on Rashford, but it's Jonathan Williams for Wales who goes down inside the England penalty area. Black shirts claim for a penalty, but Brych denies the claim, as Chris Smalling barely touched the sub, who arguably was looking for Smalling's contact as a motive to go down. England 1-1 Wales
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'73: Rashford now replaces Adam Lallana. England throwing the kitchen sink at this. SUBSTITUTION (ENGLAND) OFF: 8. Lallana ON: 20. Rashford England 1-1 Wales
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'72: England awaiting to make their final change, and it's an introduction for the youngest player in this tournament. Marcus Rashford about to come on for England. England 1-1 Wales
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'70: Another draw is not the end of England's tournament by any means, but it will be leaving them with the mountainous challenge of beating Slovakia in their final game on Monday morning. A draw will be an acceptable outcome for Wales, having already accounted for Slovakia. Changes now for both sides, as Robson-Kanu is removed for Jonathan Williams. SUBSTITUTION (WALES) OFF: 9. Robson-Kanu ON: 20. J. Williams England 1-1 Wales