Marcus Rashford ready to step up after disappointing England showing against USA
England and Wales will do battle in a decisive World Cup 2022 Group B match on Tuesday evening with places in the knockout stages in Qatar up for grabs for both teams.
England’s path to the last 16 looks the much simpler of the two as they only need to avoid defeat by four or more goals against their British rivals to secure a place in the second round. The Three Lions will have their eyes on topping the group however, which they would achieve with victory over a side they haven’t lost to since 1984, while a draw would likely also be enough providing Iran don’t beat the United States.
Not everything is rosy in the England camp though, with Friday’s frustrating 0-0 draw with USA seeing the team come in for plenty of criticism. Boss Gareth Southgate has some selection headaches and is unlikely to name an unchanged starting 11 for the third game running after his team were overrun in midfield by the US. Southgate has also admitted he needs to manage the fitness of some of his players, saying: “We cannot roll out Jude Bellingham for 90 minutes every game. We’ve got to look after him and Jordan Henderson has been training really well. It wasn’t a gamble to play Harry Kane, either. He’s had a whack on his foot so there is a bit of discomfort when he’s striking the ball but we are not talking about taking any risk with him.”
Wales’ World Cup hopes are hanging by a thread after an opening 1-1 draw with USA was followed by a disheartening 2-0 defeat to Iran, where two late goals following Wayne Hennessey’s red card cost them dearly. To qualify for the last 16 at their first World Cup since 1958, Robert Page’s men – led by the talismanic Gareth Bale – need to beat England and hope for a draw between the US and Iran. Alternatively, an unlikely four-goal victory over their neighbours would also secure a place in the knockouts.
Follow all the build-up to the crunch England vs Wales clash with our lie blog below:
What do England need to do to qualify for World Cup last 16?
One World Cup match stands between England and the last 16 at Qatar.
A draw with the USA puts Gareth Southgate’s side on four points after two games, with the 6-2 thrashing of Iran also boosting their goal difference.
Wales await in the final group stage match, with England in prime position to reach the knockout stages of the tournament.
Top spot is also valuable, knowing they will avoid the winners of Group A should they hold on, with Iran just a point behind on three points, USA on two and Wales bottom on one.
Here are the permutations for England to advance to the last 16 and also secure top spot:
Luke Baker28 November 2022 08:20
Gareth Southgate’s selection headache
Gareth Southgate has some selection headaches and is unlikely to name an unchanged starting 11 for the third game running after his team were overrun in midfield by the US during Friday’s 0-0 draw.
Southgate has also admitted he needs to manage the fitness of some of his players, saying: “We’re going to have to look at it over the next couple of days and see where the energy levels are and the best way to approach it.
“The game against the US was always going to be an extreme test of our athleticism because you’re playing a team that is one of the most athletic in the tournament. I thought we were just a little bit low on energy in one or two positions but I’m not unhappy because I knew it was going to be difficult to get at their defence.
“And we cannot roll out Jude [Bellingham] for 90 minutes every game. We’ve got to look after him and Jordan Henderson has been training really well.
“It wasn’t a gamble to play Harry [Kane], either. He’s had a whack on his foot so there is a bit of discomfort when he’s striking the ball but we are not talking about taking any risk with him. But I’ve got to assess how everybody is.
“Then I’ve also got to consider refreshing certain positions because we have got a good squad and these games are taking a lot out of people.”
Luke Baker28 November 2022 08:13
England vs Wales
Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the build-up to England and Wales’ decisive World Cup 2022 Group B match on Tuesday evening with places in the knockout stages in Qatar up for grabs for both teams.
England’s path to the last 16 looks the much simpler of the two as they only need to avoid defeat by four or more goals against their British rivals to secure a place in the second round. The Three Lions will have their eyes on topping the group however, which they would achieve with victory over a side they haven’t lost to since 1984, while a draw would likely also be enough providing Iran don’t beat the United States.
Wales’ World Cup hopes are hanging by a thread after an opening 1-1 draw with USA was followed by a disheartening 2-0 defeat to Iran, where two late goals following Wayne Hennessey’s red card cost them dearly. To qualify for the last 16 at their first World Cup since 1958, Robert Page’s men – led by the talismanic Gareth Bale – need to beat England and hope for a draw between the US and Iran. Alternatively, an unlikely four-goal victory over their neighbours would also secure a place in the knockouts.
Stick with us for all the latest news and build-up
Luke Baker28 November 2022 08:10