WALES READY TO MAKE RUSSIA SUFFER
WALES have vowed to take out their frustrations on Russia on Monday after their stoppage-time defeat by England. Ashley Williams, the Wales captain, insists that the tough times the squad have gone through will aid their recovery. Wales were set fair to reach to the knockout stages before Daniel Sturridge struck to give England a 2-1 win. Now Wales need at least a point against Russia from their final Group B match, while hoping Slovakia do not beat England. Defender James Chester is confident that Chris Coleman’s side can get the result they need and said Wales will use the defeat by England to their advantage. ‘We knew the result would not define our tournament,’ said Chester. ‘Hopefully, we can take our frustrations out on Russia and get through. ‘It’s still very much in our hands. From what we have seen of Russia so far we are confident we can get a result.’ Soon after the final whistle in Lens, Williams called a huddle on the pitch and gave words of encouragement to his team. ‘The message was not to be too down,’ said the Swansea defender. ‘After beating Slovakia we knew it was not the time to get too high because we had not accomplished anything yet. ‘These things happen. We have done ever so well to get here. We have done well in this tournament. So let’s stick together and move on.’ Williams believes Wales’s ability to stay united is strengthened by shared experiences over the years. The side have progressed from 2011, when they were ranked 117 in the world, and come through the grieving process of losing late manager Gary Speed. ‘It is not the end of the world,’ said Williams. ‘It was very disappointing but we are still proud of ourselves as a nation.’ Midfielder Joe Ledley provided a fitness boost for Wales yesterday by insisting his second-half substitution against England was merely a precaution.