WALES WILL TARGET ROONEY

WALES have identified Wayne Rooney as England’s weak link in tomorrow’s vital Euro 2016 encounter. Rooney is set to start in his newly-assumed central midfield role in Lens — a clash that will have a key bearing on who qualifies out of Group B. But Wales manager Chris Coleman is hatching a plan to stifle the England captain at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. The Manchester United star impressed against Russia on Saturday, and his role could be extended to taking the odd corner — although it is thought Harry Kane is prepared to take the majority of set-pieces once again. Coleman, however, believes Rooney was given too much respect by the Russians to dictate the pace of the game and the Wales boss has ordered his team not to fall into the same trap, calling on them to press Rooney when he’s in possession. Coleman is understood to be considering handing Crystal Palace midfielder Joe Ledley, who was on the bench against Slovakia, a start in his mission to pressure the England captain. Ledley is known for his work-rate and defensive qualities and Coleman believes he could be the key to minimising Rooney’s impact. Ledley has revealed he thought his Euro 2016 ambitions were over when he received the diagnosis of a fractured fibula five weeks ago. The Crystal Palace said: ‘When I had the X-ray I thought that was game over. It was hard to get my head around it. Of course you shed a tear because I’ve worked my socks off.’ Wales will also apply pressure to Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana tomorrow after the pair impressed during the first half of last Saturday’s draw with Russia.