Wales vs England: Tense clash awaits for Dragons and Three Lions
Wales and England are set to lock horns in a titanic showdown as both sides battle for a spot in the round of 16 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Dragons have had a terrible start to their first World Cup in 64 years, and following their shock 2-0 loss to Iran, are facing an early exit. Rob Page’s side will need to make do without first choice shot-stopper Wayne Hennessey, who was sent off during Wales’s loss to Iran on matchday two and will also be facing an uphill battle against history when they face familiar foes England.
Indeed, it’s not been since May 1984 that Wales have beaten their neighbors in any competition. Since then, it’s all been success for England, who not only have won their last six meetings with the Dragons, but have conceded just one measly goal during that one. In addition, Wales come into this contest in poor form, with zero wins (two draws, five losses) from their last seven matches across all competitions since May 2003.
England’s form isn’t the best – the Three Lions may have crushed Iran 6-2, but they were quite poor in their scoreless draw with the USA. Furthermore, Gareth Southgate’s side, who finished fourth at the 2018 World Cup and were runners up in the re-scheduled EURO 2020 competition last summer, were absolutely dismal in their Nations League campaign, finishing behind the likes of Italy and Hungary – neither of whom were able to secure qualification to this year’s World Cup.
Overall, the Three Lions have have won just one of their last eight matches across all comps (four draws, three losses) – which was their resounding 6-2 win over Iran at the start of this year’s World Cup. That being said, they do have a solid World Cup track record, with seven wins from their last 14 group stage matches, and just two losses during that run.
Southgate, who has been heavily criticized for his tactical selections, will be under pressure to pick the correct starting XI for this match. Although England sit on top of Group B with four points, a heavy loss for them, coupled with the USA beating Iran, could see them slide into third spot and ultimately be dumped out of the competition. On paper, that doesn’t appear likely, as Wales have struggled to make the grade, but in a World Cup where fans have seen Saudi Arabia beat Argentina and Japan best Germany – only for the same Japan to lose to Costa Rica just days later – anything and everything truly is possible.
