Set pieces could be showpieces of England vs Wales

SINGAPORE— After all the hype surrounding England going into Euro 2016, their chances of qualifying for the last 16 of the competition could be in serious doubt if they fail to defeat Wales tonight.

It looked as though Roy Hodgson’s men would get off to a winning start in their opening Group B match against Russia last week after dominating for large periods of the match. But they conceded a goal in injury time and had to settle for a draw, while the Welsh pulled off a gritty 2-1 win against Slovakia.

TODAY spoke to former Singapore international John Wilkinson to get his thoughts on this titanic clash and the five things he reckons will be worth looking out for.

Wayne is still the main man

For many years, Wayne Rooney was the main source of goals for both Manchester United and England. But, England’s all-time record goal scorer is now found pulling the strings from midfield.

Wilkinson reckons Rooney will play a pivotal role in deciding who wins tonight’s match.

“I felt he was outstanding against Russia in that deep-lying midfield role and was one of the best English players on the night,” said the 36-year-old television commentator and pundit, who was himself a midfielder during his playing days.

“Whenever I have watched Rooney play in midfield, he seems to have no problems and adapts really well.

“His long passes and through balls into the wide areas are going to be key for England.”

Unpredicta-Bale

One of the best players around, Gareth Bale is blessed with bags of pace and can thrive anywhere up front. Wilkinson believes it will be interesting to see where exactly the Welsh wizard will be played against England.

“The thing about Gareth Bale is that he is a nightmare to defend against because he has the ability to play anywhere upfront,” said Wilkinson, who once played for English side Exeter City.

“His pace aside, it will be very interesting to see whether he plays more centrally or moves out wide. The England defence will need to be on their toes for the entire match.”

Set pieces? Look out!

England’s solitary goal against Russia came via an Eric Dier free-kick, while Bale scored Wales’ opener against Slovakia from a free-kick too. Wilkinson says set pieces could decide who triumphs.

“Both sides have the ability to score from set pieces, but as we have seen many times in the past, neither can defend set pieces all that well,” explained the former midfielder who also scored several goals from free-kicks during his time.

“Also, Harry Kane was on corner-kick duty for England against Russia. There was a big backlash and I wonder if he will continue taking them.”

Can Wales deal with Walker and Rose?

Against Russia, England fullbacks Kyle Walker and Danny Rose were a constant menace with their forays on the wings. Wilkinson wonders if the Welsh can nullify the Tottenham duo’s attacking threat.

“I think both Walker and Rose are fantastic going forward, especially with their pace and dangerous crosses into the penalty area,” he said. “It will be interesting to see how the Welsh players try to keep them at bay.”

Battle of the Arsenal midfield duo

Prior to this match, England’s Jack Wilshere claimed he and his team-mates have more quality than their Welsh counterparts.

But his Arsenal team-mate Aaron Ramsey has refuted those claims by suggesting that none of the England players would have made it into the Wales squad. Given the verbal sparring, Wilkinson is expecting a feisty encounter on the pitch.

“I am naturally biased as a former midfielder, but I strongly believe that matches are won in midfield,” said Wilkinson.

“Look out for crunching tackles in the middle of the park, especially the battle between Wilshere and Ramsey, who will both want to go all out to prove they are right.”

Final verdict and prediction:

Wilkinson thinks that Wales will try do a rope-a-dope before hitting England on the counter. But at the end of the day, he reckons the Three Lions will prevail.

“Wales are going to sit back and hit England on the counter attack because a draw would suit them just fine,” he said.

“They will find it largely comfortable for the first 30 minutes. But, thereafter they will get far too comfortable and over commit, thus leaving gaps in midfield.

“England will push up and take the lead, before going on to win 2-0.”

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