IT’S the big one, the one we’ve all been waiting for since the draw was made. Cymru take on England tonight still looking for a place in the knockout rounds of the World Cup.
The game takes place at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium and kicks off at 7pm.
Cymru know that they need to win to stand any chance of getting out of the group and must hope that other results go their way.
The other game in the group sees USA taking on Iran both of whom are also in with a chance of qualifying for the next round.
HOW IT STANDS
England need just a point to secure their place in the next round and having reached the Euro 2020 final last year they will be keen not to fall at the first hurdle.
Cymru are at their first World Cup in 64 years and they will not want it to end without a win. Cymru must beat England and hope USA draw with Iran to progress.
If the USA-Iran game does not end in a draw then Cymru must beat England by four goals to go through at the expense of their opponents.
Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey came in for criticism following their performances in the 2-0 loss to Iran so Cymru fans will be hoping these two can lead them to victory.
Rob Page may also look to make changes to his team with Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson yet to start a game at this World Cup.
Keeper Wayne Hennessey was sent off against Iran so Danny Ward will be in goal for Cymru. Dan James and Keiffer Moore will both be hoping they can start against England also.
Likewise for England, they put in an uninspiring performance against the USA as their game finished 0-0 and Gareth Southgate may turn to Phil Foden who did not feature in that game.
He will not be able to rotate his side too much though so Cymru will likely face England’s strongest side.
But, as Gareth Bale told media this week, everyone has their ‘weaknesses’ and Cymru are certainly ready for the game.
Welsh fans will remember Euro 2016 with great fondness as they reached the semi-finals but they won’t want remember that group game with England.
Bale put them ahead in that game but two late goals gave England a 2-1 victory and it promises to be another tight game tonight.
They may be the underdogs for this match but in Qatar, for now, YMA O HYD.
