World Cup: Southgate says both England and Wales are 'under pressure'
England and Wales meet at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Qatar later today for the first-ever home nations clash at a World Cup, with the so-called “Battle of Britain” a crucial clash to decide the final positionings in Group B.
The Three Lions are top of the group and need just a point to secure their passage to the knockout stages, while Wales are on the verge of elimination and must beat England for the first time since 1984 in order to advance, along with hoping that Iran and the USA draw.
England boss Gareth Southgate may make changes to the lineup that started both against Iran and Wales, amid widespread clamour for Phil Foden to be introduced.
England have all but reached the last 16 and it would take a four-goal defeat to Wales for Southgate’s side to be eliminated. But Wales captain Gareth Bale appeared to be in bullish mood ahead of the must-win clash with Southgate’s men and said there is no reason Wales cannot pull off a shock and beat England.
The match will be shown live on BBC One, with coverage starting from 6pm, as well as online on the BBC iPlayer. It will also be shown on channel S4C in Wales. In the US, kick off is 2pm ET/11amPT with the game live on Fox Sports and Universo.
World Cup 2022: Harry Kane fit to play against Wales
Harry Kane will be available to start for England in the team’s final World Cup group game against Wales on Tuesday.
The striker took a hit on his ankle in England’s opening game against Iran and looked off the pace in the 0-0 draw with the United States on Friday.
England coach Gareth Southgate said the injury had caused issues with Kane’s foot, but on Monday said the player would be available against Wales.
“With Harry, obviously we are going to pick a team we believe can win the game,” Southgate said. “That is our priority as always.
“He is fine in terms of the knock he had. He’s trained well.”
(AP)
World Cup 2022: Robert Page believes England are beatable
Wales manager Rob Page believes that despite a disappointing World Cup campaign his side are capable of beating England on Tuesday, hinting that Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey may start their final Group B clash on the bench.
Wales, bottom of the standings on one point, must beat England to have any chance of progressing -- but even a victory might not be enough as they would also need the other match between Iran and the United States to end in a draw.
“This tournament has shown that every team is beatable. So, of course, England are beatable,” Page told a news conference on Monday.
“They’ve got a wonderful pool of players to choose from, so whatever team they put on that pitch is going to be a tough challenge for us.
“But we want to show that we’re not just here to give disappointing performances.”
Jordan Henderson vows England will do talking on the pitch against Wales
Jordan Henderson insists England will do their talking on the pitch rather than get into a war of words with Wales.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Wales striker Kieffer Moore said he “couldn’t wait” to knock out England.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Kieffer Moore said he ‘couldn’t wait’ to knock out the Three Lions
Gareth Bale adamant Wales are capable of shocking England in World Cup showdown
Gareth Bale insists Wales can upset England and provide another surprise in a World Cup of shock results.
Wales must beat England for the first time since 1984 on Tuesday to be in with a chance of making the knockout phase.
Even then, unless England are beaten by a four-goal margin, Wales need Iran and the United States to draw their final match to make the round of 16 in Qatar.
It is a tall order for a Wales side who have won only once in 10 games, but Bale says they can draw on respective underdog victories for Japan, Morocco and Saudi Arabia over Germany, Belgium and Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.
“There’s been a few shocks in the tournament already and there’s no reason why we can’t do the same,” the 33-year-old said.
“Everyone has weaknesses. We’ve done our homework and had meetings, and I’m sure they’ve done the same with us.
“We know how difficult it will be. England are a very good team, They’re one of the favourites to win the tournament.
“We are under no illusions it will be hard, we’re going to give everything like we always do.”
Wales captain Gareth Bale is aiming for another World Cup shock against England
(PA Wire)
England and Wales fans to face extra police after violence in Tenerife
Fearing a repeat of violence ahead of the crucial England and Wales World Cup match, Spanish police have ordered a “special security operation” to prevent “possible riots” between the drunken fans.
Thousands of football fans from both sides have travelled to the Canary Islands due to strict alcohol laws in Qatar where drinking in public can be punished with six months of jail.
“The Local Police of Arona and the National Police force have coordinated to implement a special security operation in the tourist area in view of the upcoming World Cup matches in Qatar,” a statement from the local council said.
A police crackdown on violent football fans is expected after several videos from pubs in the Canary Islands showed fans brawling after England’s 0-0 draw with the USA on Friday evening.
Dozens of fans from rival teams were filmed punching and kicking each other.
“After the events that occurred this week, both security forces have coordinated their actions to prevent possible riots in the upcoming World Cup matches in Qatar in the tourist areas of Arona. In particular, the one in which the Wales and England teams will participate,” the statement added.
England vs Wales predicted line-ups: Team news ahead of World Cup fixture
England have all but reached the last 16 and it would take a four-goal defeat to Wales for Gareth Southgate’s side to be eliminated.
The Independent’s Jamie Braidwood has more:
Everything you need to know ahead of the Group B clash in Qatar
Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the crucial clash between England and Wales in the World Cup tonight.
