World Cup
England vs Wales prediction
29 NOV @ 19:00
England will be looking to improve on their subpar performance when they drew 0-0 with the United States on Friday night. Wales will be looking just to restore pride after a 0-2 loss to Iran earlier in the day, when these two United Kingdom rivals meet at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan on Tuesday evening.
Gareth Southgate was positive about the 0-0 draw versus USA, despite the North American nation creating both more and the better chances in the game. England lacked energy and seemingly lacked a game plan too, which could result in changes to the starting XI for their final group fixture.
Frustratingly for many fans, Phil Foden didn’t even make it off the bench to help pick up all three points, whilst the manager simply made like-for-like changes in a formation which wasn’t hurting the opposition. Bringing Jordan Henderson on somewhat suggested he was happy to take a 0-0.
Wales drew 1-1 with USA in their opener courtesy of a late Gareth Bale penalty. The former Real Madrid star has otherwise been far from form in this tournament. He never threatened the Iran defence as Rob Page’s side went down to an Iran side that England had thumped 6-2 just four days earlier.
England have nothing to fear in this game and should take the game to the opposition from the opening kickoff, just as they did against Iran in the opener. Although I have little faith in Southgate, we should really see a number of changes to the starting lineup to keep the stars rested for round two. Only a defeat by four goals or greater would eliminate the Three Lions on Tuesday.
To see the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker getting minutes on the clock whilst also trying to earn a spot in the starting lineup in round two, would likely mean they impress in the final third. Which generally relates to goals. And this Wales defence shipped lots of opportunities in their opening two games. England simply have to watch the video footage of these games and take it to the smaller nation.
A comfortable win has to be on the cards for England in this one.
Best bet: England to win -1.5 goals is 5/4 with BetFred