JOE: WE NEED TO PLAY GAME OF OUR LIVES

JOE ALLEN has urged his Welsh team-mates to “prepare for the performance of our lives” against England tomorrow.

Wales’ World Cup dream is hanging by a thread after a dire 2-0 loss to Iran following a draw with USA in Group B.

Rob Page’s men now need to win and hope

Iran and USA draw, otherwise they will need to beat England by at least four goals to qualify.

Allen said: “We have had the time needed to digest our disappointment.

“Our focus now moves into getting on the training pitch and putting in the work and preparing for the performance of our lives against England.

“I don’t think we can be more motivated.

“We are in the World Cup and we have to win regardless of who we are playing. It is pretty simple.

“Everyone knows what is at stake and what a huge moment it is for our nation.

“It is about putting absolutely everything into it. Ideally you want it to be in your hands but this is the situation we find ourselves in.

“While there is still a chance we can get through, we absolutely have to throw all we can at it.”

Wales lost to Iran after conceding two late goals after Wayne Hennessey was sent off, while star duo Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey were ineffective.

Some pundits have even questioned whether captain Bale and Ramsey should be dropped.

But Allen added: “They’re incredible players – they are and they have been for our country.

“I don’t think there’s anyone else in the squad who’s reached the heights they’re capable of.

“They’re big-game players and always have been. Hopefully, if any criticism has come their

they’ll be able to answer those critics with a top performance.”