Ahead of their Group B clash in Lens on Thursday, England and Wales UAE-based fans give their verdict on the game.
To gain an insight into the mindset of the fans we asked UAE fans to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch.
Do you agree or have they missed the mark? Use #360Fans to share with us your thoughts.
WALES – Danny Phillips (Dealer Development, Dubai)
Wales are 90 minutes away from the final stages of Euro 2016 but if anyone believes the job is done they need to think again. This game could not be set up any better. England have to win and will have lots of the ball, while Wales love to play defensively and on the counter. If both teams get to play to the strengths shown in their first game, it could be a real classic.
Wales will not be daunted by the task ahead of them, and the Slovakia result has given them the luxury of knowing a draw will do. Two injuries could prove crucial. Wales need Hal Robson-Kanu’s power to put pressure on England’s questionable centre-backs and a return for Wayne Hennessey will help Wales deal with the likely deluge of crosses.
Both teams will look to their respective talisman – Gareth Bale and Wayne Rooney – for inspiration and both have the power to turn a game in a second. It will also be past master Roy Hodgson against the young upstart Chris Coleman. Do not take your eyes of this one for a second.
PREDICTION: England 1-1 Wales
LIKELY WALES XI: Hennessey; Chester, Williams (c), Davies; Gunter, Edwards, Allen, Ramsey, Taylor; Bale; Robson-Kanu
WALES PLAYER TO WATCH: Gareth Bale – England may have the better players but Wales have the best player. Time to step up again please, Gareth.
ENGLAND PLAYER TO FEAR: Wayne Rooney – He looked good in midfield against Russia, launching attacks and seeing plenty of the ball. Like Bale, he has the ability to score or make a goal out of nothing. He just does it less often!
WHERE TO WATCH: The Media One Hotel, it was fantastic for the first game.
ENGLAND – Peter Redding (PR Manager, Dubai)
Well it has been a bit of a shambolic start both on and off the pitch for our nation. Please let’s see no repeat of the dreadful scenes in Marseille and the surrounding areas. Thankfully as I write this, increased police presence and alcohol bans may just help quell the awful behaviour displayed by a minority of mindless idiots so far.
England looked great for large spells of their first game against Russia and knocked the ball around with supreme confidence. My biggest worry is our ability to convert chances, while the sloppy concession of the late goal was caused by a lack of concentration, exposing a defence that may struggle to compete with the best at this tournament.
Wales represents a ‘local derby’ and there has already been a bit of needle; Aaron Ramsey said no England player would make the Wales team, which I think might be down to the fumes from his blond dye job. It doesn’t mean I’m not worried though. Roy Hodgson’s selection looked a bit shaky again against Russia, his caution is frankly a little frustrating. That game seemed made for Jamie Vardy. Hopefully Roy will shake things up, or it could be curtains.
PREDICTION: England 1-1 Wales.
LIKELY ENGLAND XI: Hart, Walker, Smalling, Cahill, Rose, Dier, Wilshere, Alli, Sterling, Rooney, Kane.
ENGLAND PLAYER TO WATCH: Wayne Rooney – Cometh the hour, cometh the man. If only our captain could roll back the clock to his devastating performances as a teenager. We can hope.
WALES PLAYER TO FEAR: Gareth Bale – One of the world’s best players, it’s hard to believe he’s Welsh!
WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME: ON42 at Media One Hotel, great fanzone.
