While Wales have been breathing fire and brimstone after celebrating a historic win in their first ever European Championship match, England’s Lions have been cowering like a domesticated cat with social anxiety problems after conceding an injury time goal, in typical England fashion, to tie with Russia.
There aren’t many England fans in their young adulthood who might remember a competitive match between these two sides. If it weren’t for Gareth Bale Wales might still be one of Europe’s also-rans, but as it stands? They are the side with the positive momentum going into this match.
They’re even talking smack! The Welsh, after all, are 1 for 1 in European Championship matches, so why not? Gareth Bale recently attempt to rile up the England camp — and succeeded — by claiming that Wales “have got a lot more passion and pride” than England. Jack Wilshere hit back, but the damage had already been done. Bale had gotten what he wanted “it’s good that they bit,” Bale said.
While Wales borders the west of England these two footballing nations have not really had the chance to build any kind of rivalry. Of course, there is one of proximity, but England hasn’t faced one of the “home nations” in a major international tournament since 1996 when the Lions beat Scotland 2-0 courtesy of “that” Paul Gascoigne goal, and dentist chair celebration. This is only the second time in the country’s history it will face a home nation in a major international tournament. It will be Wales’ first time.
There’s more of a rugby rivalry between these two teams than there is a soccer one. While Wales and England play each other in Rugby Union every year — not to mention when they play at the Six Nations tournament —, England and Wales have never faced each other in a competitive international tournament. The last time Wales beat England? 1984, when Mark Hughes scored the only goal on his debut.
England have reason to be encouraged, though, even if Slovakia did dismantle a poor Russia side the Lions failed to beat. The Lions had an average age vs Russia of 25 years and 293 days — the second ever youngest starting line up since a World Cup match versus Sweden in 2002. England looked attacking, exciting, but Hodgson seemed too afraid to change the game. That ended up being England’s downfall — not bringing in the experienced players to shepherd the game to a close. The goals? They’ll come, it’s just a matter of time. This England team is too attacking to not score.
That being said England must utilize Harry Kane better than they did the last game. Chelsea may have benefitted from Didier Drogba taking free kicks and corners for a while — but it was the mercurial Ivorian whom scored the all important goal from inside the box, at a corner kick that took Chelsea and Bayern Munich into extra time during the 2012 Champions League final. Maybe Roy Hodgson should bear that in mind with the “Hurri-kane.”
Something that seemed to fly under the radar was that Kane dropped to the back post a lot when the ball was in play. This drew defenders with him and subsequently opened the space for players like Rooney and Sterling. But with Rooney playing in a deeper role, and Sterling showing some inconsistencies in front of goal, Kane needs to be more involved. Perhaps it might be time to pair him with Jamie Vardy.
With Wales there’s not much else to talk about than Gareth Bale. Sure Joe Ledley could pass a fitness test and provide a steady pace to the Wales passing game, but ultimately this team is all about Gareth Bale. It’s so much about the Real Madrid star that Hal Robson-Kanu’s goal for Wales was his first for them since October of 2014 — it was also the last Wales goal scored by someone other than named Bale or Ramsey.
No matter what happens versus England, Wales already have a British record as bragging rights — they are the first British team to win their opening game in a European Championship finals tournament. Not to mention that 3 points almost certainly guarantees them qualification for the knockout stages.
Team News
England — England boss Roy Hodgson has a completely healthy squad to choose from and will likely start the same team that began the Russia game.
Wales — Wayne Hennessey may miss out again with the back spasms that kept him out of the side versus Slovakia. Hal Robson-Kanu and Joe Ledley could, however, start.
