June 20 – The Welsh dragon will need to be at its fiery best to beat the Russians to a qualifying spot, and it hopefully will not ignite Russian fans. England can afford to be a little more sedate against Slovakia but that might not be a smart move.
Wales vs Russia
Wales can seal a spot in the knockout stages in their final Group F game in Toulouse but talisman Gareth Bale is wary of the threat posed by a wounded and winless Russia.
Chris Coleman’s side are still in a good position to qualify for the round of 16 but the 2018 World Cup hosts, buffeted on and off the field, need a win to avoid a group-stage exit from the tournament. Even that may not guarantee progression although four points would likely be enough to see most teams go through.
“Obviously Russia are here on merit and it’s going to be a very difficult game, but we’ll be going in there full of confidence trying to win and trying to progress,” Bale said.
Wales lost Joe Ledley midway through the second half against England due to a tight calf, but the Crystal Palace midfielder – who only returned to full fitness from a broken leg last week – says he is ready and available.
Russia’s injury list continues to build, with Zenit St Petersburg’s Oleg Shatov struggling with a groin injury. Russia have won each of the last three meetings with Wales but have qualified for the knockout stages of the European Championships only once in four attempts.
“Whether we progress or not, it’s not the end of the journey for this team,” said Coleman. “Our players have done unbelievably well. It’s been an eye-opener and hard, of course. It’s really intense but it’s been enjoyable.”
| W | D | L | F | A | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wales | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 6 |
| England | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| Slovakia | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Russia | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 1 |
England vs Slovakia
Wayne Rooney is one of six players reportedly set to be rested by England boss Roy Hodgson for their final group game against Slovakia but it could be a risky strategy for the last 16 if his team fail to win the group.
Daniel Sturridge, Jamie Vardy, Jordan Henderson, Jack Wilshere, Nathaniel Clyne and Ryan Bertrand are in line to start. Slovakia have six players on yellow cards, including Martin Skrtel.
“The important thing is to be in the last 16,” Hodgson said. “But we really want to win the group because it means we’ll play against a third-placed team rather than playing a second- or first-placed team.”
If Rooney, England’s record goalscorer, features in Saint-Etienne he will equal Steven Gerrard’s total of 114 caps – the third-highest by an England player. England have won all three of their previous meetings with Slovakia but Jan Kozak’s side will be highly motivated knowing a draw would ensure a top-two finish if Wales lose to Russia.
Slovakia have no fresh injury concerns so are expected to be unchanged.
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