Where: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
When: Tuesday, November 29, 10 pm local (19:00 GMT)
Fifa rankings: England (5), Wales (19)
Match Preview
The only two non-autonomous countries in this World Cup are neighbors — of the kind where the seat of power of one resides in the other. Since England’s King Edward invaded and colonized Wales in 1282, creating a “Ring of Iron” of castles to house his occupying army and to project power and control over the Indigenous population, there have been revolts and rebellions in Wales to grapple with control and return sovereignty to the Welsh.And this is the first World Cup that Wales qualified for since 1958. The Welsh national football team plays with a dragon on their chest. The Welsh rugby team plays with the symbol of the prince of Wales on their uniform. The title of "prince of Wales". is not hereditary, but appointed by the British monarch, ever since Owain Glyndwr, who was the last Welsh prince of Wales and led a 15-year rebellion against the British monarch and set up an independent parliament for Wales in 1404.
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles designated his son William to the role he formerly held. William, Prince of Wales, has declared that, as president of the English Football Association, he will be supporting England at the World Cup. It is no co-occurrence that the triumph of the national football team since Euro 2016 — where Wales came to the semi-finals — has overlapped with a resurgence in independence sentiment.
But this golden generation, featuring superstar Gareth Bale alongside Joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey, is coming towards the unavoidable downfall of their careers. Bale and Ramsey struggle to have more game time in the warm climes of Los Angeles and Nice, respectively. Allen is fighting with injury.
England, meanwhile, is flying high: Euro 2020 finalists, ranked fifth in the world and assumed a solemn contender for the title in Qatar. They have practically qualified for the Round of 16 already — only a four-goal margin of defeat at Welsh hands would stop them. Certainly, England can win the game and they should easily finish the Welsh team as the big name. But the surprise is not something new in this World Cup tournament, seeing the shock defeat of Argentina, Germany, and Belgium.
Team News
WalesSource: goal
Wales star Hennessey will take his place on the suspension step for this one following his red card against Iran, unlocking the door for Danny Ward to come in between the sticks after a period of significant improvement at Leicester City.Page did not receive new injury concerns in the loss to Iran, where Joe Allen could come off the bench following his hamstring injury, but the Swansea City player was mainly at fault for Cheshmi's long-range effort with his poor clearance.
National team heroes Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey were practically anonymous in their matchday two showings, but Page is doubtful to consider ruling out the duo for such an essential fixture.
Daniel James and Brennan Johnson should be set for places, though, as Kieffer Moore gives a much-needed physical presence in the final third.
England
Source: goal
On England's side, Southgate could bring us a nearly fully-fit squad for Tuesday's crunch encounter after welcoming James Maddison back to training from a knee injury, although Ben White could miss out because of illness, and he is facing many difficult selection dilemmas.Kyle Walker's recovery to fitness could see the Manchester City man get back to the right-hand side over Kieran Trippier, despite of calls for Southgate to bring Trent Alexander-Arnold into the fray.
Southgate was reluctant to bring on Phil Foden for Mason Mount in the number 10 role on Friday, but with Bukayo Saka taking an off night against the USA, Foden could be set for a start out wide.
Harry Kane is still in trouble with his first non-penalty goal in England colors in 2022, but there is almost no chance of the skipper losing his place in the side here.
Wales Vs. England Head-To-Head Record
Wales wins: 14England wins: 68
Draws: 21
Wales goals: 91
England goals: 250
Wales World Cup form:
- D L
Wales form (all competitions):
- D L L L D L
England World Cup form:
- W D
- D L L D W D
Source: theanalyst
Wales's Possible Starting Lineup:
H Hosseini; Rezaeian, M Hosseini, Pouraliganji, Mohammadi; Ali Gholizadeh, Nourollahi, Ezatolahi, Hajsafi; Taremi, Azmoun
England's Possible Starting Lineup:
Turner; Dest, Zimmerman, Ream, Robinson; Adams, Musah, McKennie; Pulisic, Weah, Wright