World Cup Preview - England v Wales

The Three Lions will, just as they did in UEFA Euro 2016, play Wales in a major tournament. Having had Scotland in the last Euros and now Wales in this FIFA World Cup, England are getting used to a little domestic punch-up at competition level. This game, though, could prove the most challenging of the group for two reasons. One, they will face Wales who might already be in a qualification position – and two, they will be facing Gareth Bale.

Is the LAFC star in his vintage? Absolutely not. But, as his goal in the MLS Cup Final showed, he can still do it when it matters. And if you don’t believe that a passionate Welshman would not love to cap his only World Cup with a goal against England? Well, what do you believe?

Wales will be 100% up for this, and given it is the last game of the group they need to win and for a draw in the Iran vs USA game to make it into the knockout match. It's doable, but approaching longshot territory for both to happen.

Who will win this tie?

Both teams will be up for this, as much as they were in 2016. Yet while Wales have regressed to an extent since then, England have improved, but have had recent rocky form. They crashed out of the 2016 tournament in joke circumstances, but have since reached at least the Semi Finals of both tournaments since.

Wales are a good team – well-structured and capable, and have an immense team spirit. Expect them to be up for this, but in my view to just fall short.

VERDICT: 2-1