ENGLAND will be looking to secure their place in the last-16 of the World Cup and top Group B by beating Wales.
The Three Lions will want to bounce back from their dull draw against the USA and find the form shown in the demolition of Iran.
England were heavy favourites coming into the tournament to win the group and will go through providing they avoid a heavy defeat versus their British rivals.
The pressure is on for Gareth Southgate with him being questioned over his substitutions during the last game and after entering the tournament off the back of a woeful Nations League campaign.
This game will be the first time two home nations have met at a World Cup.
SunSport takes a look at what to expect from Wales vs England, including our score prediction.
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How are they getting on?
Wales: The first half in the 1-1 draw versus America was poor but the introduction of Kieffer Moore changed the game and Gareth Bale scored a penalty to earn a decent point.
But things fell apart versus Iran, the Dragons were useless throughout and goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was sent off before Iran scored twice in stoppage time to break Wales’ hearts.
It took them to a run of seven matches without a win.
Read the full report from what happened in the 2-0 defeat to Carlos Queiroz’s side.
England: It was the perfect start by England as an inspired Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka ripped Iran to shreds in a memorable 6-2 win.
Fans remained calm but there was belief more of the same could lead to ‘football coming home’. However the performance in the goalless draw versus USA was drab.
Read the full report as England were held by Gregg Berhalter’s side on Friday night.
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Any injuries to worry about?
Wales: Hennessey is suspended after his red card meaning Leicester’s Danny Ward will play.
The manager has not hinted at any other injury issues with Joe Allen back in contention to start.
England: Kyle Walker and James Maddison are back in training after injuries ruled them out the first two games.
Ben White may be unavailable due to illness.
Who will be the star men?
Wales: The man who has so often stepped up for Wales – Gareth Bale – will be aiming to save his country yet again.
He has provided quality and special moments often and with Wales’ display versus Iran described as “not acceptable” by Page, they could do with some Bale magic.
England: If he starts, Phil Foden could be the key to unlock the Wales defence. The team were crying out for his creativity in the last game and he could be called upon.
Elsewhere, a big performance from captain Harry Kane is required. He has grabbed two assists so far but will be desperate to get on the scoresheet before the knockout rounds.
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What’s the head-to-head?
England have not lost to Wales since 1984 and are unbeaten in the last six meetings between the two nations.
Last time out in a friendly the Three Lions won 3-0. They also won 2-1 in Euro 2016 thanks to a late winner from Daniel Sturridge.
Permutations
Wales: If Wales fail to win they are out.
But if they beat England with Iran and the USA drawing, Wales will progress.
If Iran or USA win, Wales it’s not looking good as they need to smash England by four or more goals.
England: They can top the group with a win or draw (providing Iran or USA don’t win by five or more).
England could finish second if they lose and Iran vs USA has a winner.
They could still be on the plane home if England lose by four or more goals and someone takes three points in the other game of the group.
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SunSport prediction
Wales will defend solidly and be difficult to beat but England’s talent and experience at major tournaments will shine through.
Wales 0-2 England
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
