Joe: It’s 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 an opening 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 (above) 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.

“We cannot be any more motivated.

“We are in the World Cup and 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 now about putting everything into it.

“Ideally you want it to be in your hands but this is the situation we are in.

“While there is still a glimmer and a chance we can get ourselves through, we have to throw all we can at doing that.”

Wales lost to Iran after conceding two stoppage-time goals after keeper Wayne Hennessey was sent off in the 86th minute.

The deserved defeat could have been even worse as Iran also twice hit the post before then.

Star duo Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey toiled and were ineffective in the heat at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.

Some pundits have even suggested skipper Bale and Ramsey should be dropped – but Allen rejected that.

He added: “They are two incredible players – they are and they always have been for our country.

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

“It’s a huge game coming up, they’re big-game players and always have been.

‘‘If any criticism has come their way then they’ll hopefully be able to answer a few of those critics with a top performance.”