Euro 2016 England vs Wales - Live stream info, probable line-up and match preview
England take on Wales in their second match of Group B at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens. “The battle of Britain” promises to be a crunch encounter between the neighbors and fierce rivals. Russia snatched a point off England in their opening match of Euro 2016, after scoring an injury time equaliser, thanks a powerful header from their captain Vasili Berezutski.
England dominated the match but missed out on many goal-scoring chances and a loss here can put them in a dangerous situation. However, they’ll take inspiration from their impressive attacking display in the opening game, and will look to carry it on in the derby match.
Wales will be on a high after the late goal from Robson-Kanu gave them a win and all-important 3 points against Slovakia, in their opening match of the Euros. Welshman, Gareth Bale started the war of words against England saying that not one of England’s players would make the Welsh 11.
He also added “It’s like any derby, you never want to lose to the enemy. I think we got a lot more passion and pride about us than them. We’ll definitely show that on the field.” Roy Hodgson regarded Bale’s comment as “disrespectful” and insisted he had no doubts about the commitment and desire of the players to go on and win Euro 2016.
Arsenal man, Jack Wilshere fired back at Bale saying, “We know that Wales don’t like us. Do we like them? Not really!”. With things heated up already between the neighbor nations, England vs Wales will be a fierce encounter.
England played well for most of the match against Russia, in their first match of Euro 2016, where Tottenham man Eric Dier’s brilliant free kick gave England the lead in the second half. They were impressive in their attacks and threatened to score more goals, but lacked the finishing touch.
Adam Lallana had a very good match but missed out on 2 goal scoring chances, while Raheem Sterling was pacey and gave the Russian defense some serious problems with his pace. Wayne Rooney was brilliant with his passing from midfield and answered the critics who thought that the midfield job was not suited for the Manchester United man.
His distribution of the ball was a treat to watch, and he will look to trouble the Welsh defense with long balls to the English forwards. England are expected to go with the same 4-3-3 formation they used against Russia, but they might also switch to 4-4-2 and slot Vardy, alongside Harry Kane.
The title-winning Leicester forward offers a lot of pace and can run at the Welsh defense. Harry Kane had a disappointing first match but having a strike partner in Vardy will improve his game too. Full backs, Walker and Ross will look to push on up-field, and attack the Welsh wing backs.
Roy Hodgson is expected to field the same squad as he did against Russia, but Jamie Vardy may come in with a change of formation that might prove effective against Wales’ probable 5-4-1 formation, with three centre-backs. Cahill and Smalling will be at the heart of England’s defense and will look to negate Bale’s threat.
Wales claimed a very important 3 points against Slovakia, and will look to qualify for the playoffs with a win against their derby rivals, England. Wales are expected to play the 5-4-1 formation they played against Slovakia, with 3 centre-backs and 2 wing-backs, 4 central midfielders, and a lone striker in Bale.
England full-backs tend to push upfield whenever England are attacking and that’s when Real Madrid man, Bale, can be a huge threat to the England centre-backs when Wales counter-attack. Welsh manager Chris Coleman is expected to play the same side he did in their opening match, with Allen and Edwards as holding midfielders, supported by Aaron Ramsey, who will be key in the Welsh midfield.
Wales defense had a solid qualifying campaign keeping 7 clean sheets out of 10 and conceding only 4 goals, and they’ll look to repeat a solid defensive performance against England.
England will look to utilize their squad depth and bring on the likes of Wilshere and Rashford, and Vardy, if he does not play from the start. Wales will look to defend well, but they aren’t going to park the bus, as they’ll look to attack England on the counter with their pace.
With a win in their bag already, they can pick and choose their moments to attack against an England team, who’ll look to win 3 points and put themselves in a good position to qualify.
Team News
- Roy Hodgson might entertain playing a 4-4-2 formation, and give Vardy a go. He will be vital, with his pace and finishing.
- Wales have no injury issues, and will be geared up for this match.
Predicted Line-Ups
England(4-4-2): Hart; Walker, Cahill, Smalling, Rose; Lallana, Dier, Rooney, Sterling; Kane, Vardy.
Wales(5-4-1): Ward; Gunter, Chester, A. Williams, Davies, Taylor; J. Williams, Allen, Edwards, Ramsey; Bale.
Kickoff and Live Telecast
Date and Time: June 16, 2016 – 06:30 PM (IST)
Live Telecast: Live telecast on Sony Six, Sony Six HD, Sony ESPN, Sony ESPN HD.
Venue: Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens.
Live Stream info: Live stream will be on Sonyliv.com