Thursday Euro 2016 England vs Wales – preview
June 15, 2016 20:00pm – Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens Agglo
Group B
Recent Form (all comps)
England: DWWWL
Wales: WLLDL
After a promising start to the opening game against Russia, England’s Euro 2016 preparations looked to be paying off. However, their great build up play was all too often let down by some sloppy forward play and wayward finishing. In the end it took a precision set piece from Eric Dier to unlock the Russian defence.
At that point in the game, Coach Roy Hodgson reverted to type and opted to defend the slender lead rather than pushing for a crucial second goal. The negative tactics came back to bite the Three Lions as Russia snatched a late goal to take an even share of the spoils.
Next up for England is a clash against rivals and neighbours Wales – a team that they have historically dominated, having won 66, drawn 21 and lost just 14 of their 101 previous meetings. Yet, England will be facing perhaps the best Welsh side that has ever been assembled and all the pressure will be on Hodgson’s men.
England will be boosted by the fact that they have beaten Wales in their last four meetings without conceding a goal. Their last defeat came back in 1984 when Wales edged to a 1-0 win thanks to a Mark Hughes goal.
When the sides met in the qualifying stages of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, it was England who prevailed, winning 2-0 at home and 1-0 in Wales.
Despite appearing at their first ever European Championships finals, Wales hit the ground running with a 2-1 win over Slovakia. A draw on Thursday would virtually guarantee their progression to the knockout phase at the first attempt. However, Chris Coleman and his men will be gunning for the win to maintain their perfect record in the event, and to get one over on their rivals.
Few changes can be expected but Hodgson may decide to field Jamie Vardy in a wide role in place of Raheem Sterling who disappointed on Saturday.
Key Facts
- The teams have met just four times in the last thirty years with England winning all four
- Wales have not scored a goal against England since 1984
- Only one of the last eight meetings between the side has produced over 2.5 goals
- Chris Coleman played under Roy Hodgson at Blackburn Rovers but made just 1 appearance
Prediction
A pulsating atmosphere can be expected as the British home nation teams go head-to-head in Lens. Wales will be out to rewrite history in the knowledge that a draw should be enough to send them through.
History shows that a low goal count can be expected and nerves and tension could certainly play a part.
You can back Under 2.5 Goals at 8/11 with Betfair.
Betfair is our recommended bookmaker for all your Euro 2016 bets.