Our match prediction:
England
Match Time & Date:
16/06/2016
14:00 GMT
Prediction: 2-1
Wales
All eyes will be on Stade Bollaert-Delelis when England and Wales take on each other in Group B derby. The Three Lions dropped two points in the 1-1 draw with Russia, but the fans should have a reason for optimism as Roy Hodgson’s men were on the verge of beating Zbornaja komanda in their Euro 2016 opener. Berezutski spoiled England’s party at Stade Velodrome, but a win over Wales on Thursday could see the English climb to top position in Group B. Wales totally deserved to pick up all three points from Saturday’s football match against Slovakia, but beating Roy Hodgson’s charges is easier said than done. Thursday’s game is of big importance for the Three Lions and we predict that they will be at their sharpest this time out. Harry Kane failed to score against Russia, but the Tottenham attacker is likely to keep his place in the starting XI.
Highligted Player (Kane):
Widely regarded as one of England’s best strikers at the moment, Harry Kane enjoyed a meteoric rise at Tottenham Hotspur, scoring 21 Premier League goals during the 2014/2015 campaign to be voted PFA Young Player of the Year. The highly rated striker went on to surpass that achievement the following season as he helped Spurs mount a serious title challenge for the first time in club’s recent history and he made seamless transition to international football. Kane scored four goals in his first ten appearances for England to prove he was here to stay and at the same time established himself as a first choice striker in Roy Hodgson’s squad ahead of the Euro 2016 finals. Kane is a modern striker, who is extremely dangerous in the opposition box, but it was some outstanding goals from distance as well as link-up play with teammates that earned him an excellent reputation in world football. Kane is expected to lead both Tottenham and England in years to come, that is if he can resist the lure of top European clubs that continue to cast admiring glances his way.
Highlighted Team (Wales):
Despite being part of the United Kingdom, Wales national football team has been competing in FIFA tournaments since 1950, although they have so far only reached two tournament finals. The Dragons surprised everyone by making it to the quarter-finals at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, but little did they know that it would remain their only World Cup appearance up to date. Wales had plenty of problems in the European Championship qualifiers as well, but they finally managed to end the barren run by securing their place at the Euro 2016 in France. Led by the likes of Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen and Ashley Williams, the Dragons performed admirably throughout the campaign and even reached the 8th position in the FIFA Rankings in October 2015. Neville Southall remains the team’s most capped player, but the generation that included Ryan Giggs, Gary Speed, Craig Bellamy and John Hartson will also be remembered for some impressive performances against top European national teams.
