Wales need a miracle, a shock bigger than Leicester winning the League
FOR shock value, if Wales beat England tonight it will be a bigger upset than Leicester winning the Premier League.
On paper, there should be no chance. But at this World Cup, we’ve already seen Saudi
Arabia stun Argentina, Japan beat Germany and Morocco turn over Belgium.
So we can’t take anything for granted.
Let’s get real: Wales need a miracle to go through.
But although it’s a long shot, it’s not totally out of the question they could beat England narrowly with Iran and the USA drawing to leave the door slightly ajar.
To live with England, Page may have to decide whether to go with youthful energy or experience.
Can you play Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen together? Five or six years ago, absolutely – but this is 2022, not 2016. My preference would be to start with Dan James and Brennan Johnson’s mobility to stretch England’s backline if that’s possible.
And although Bale was far from his best in defeat against Iran, he has to start. He’s still likeliest to deliver when it matters or pull a rabbit from the hat.
For a generation, this may be the end of an era. Wales have been on a magic carpet ride to the Euro 2016 semi-finals and their first World Cup for 64 years.
Is there one last hurrah left in the tank? From back to front, they will have to be absolutely spot on. England were poor against the United States but Gareth Southgate has an embarrassment of riches.
Phil Foden and Jack Grealish? Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling? Does he pick the captain of Liverpool or one of Europe’s brightest talents in midfield?
Or does he rest Harry Kane and start up front with Marcus Rashford or Callum Wilson?
I’m not holding my breath for a miracle – but there have been so many massive shocks at this World Cup, neither England nor Wales dare take anything for granted.