CHEEKY COLEMAN’S NAME GAME WIND-UP
CHRIS COLEMAN enjoyed a joke at Group B rivals England’s expense yesterday by ‘revealing’ a Wales team sheet including the likes of Pele, Diego Maradona and George Best. England assistant boss Ray Lewington had inadvertently given some clues to Roy Hodgson’s line-up for the opener with Russia when he was photographed clutching official FA headed notepaper with a number of names under his arm on Tuesday. In a light-hearted dig at Lewington’s predicament, the Wales boss deliberately let slip to photographers at his side’s Dinard training base a sheet of his line-up. He found no space for any Welsh heroes, however, and instead picked a 4-4-2 from around the world which featured England legends Bobby Moore and Bobby Charlton. Coleman, who worked with Lewington at Fulham, had Gordon Banks in goal, a back four of Roberto Carlos, Moore, Franz Beckenbauer and Cafu, a midfield of Best, Socrates, Charlton and Zico, and a strikeforce of Pele and Maradona. The move was symptomatic of Coleman’s sense of humour, a key pillar in his management style and, according to players, the reason for Wales’ strong team unity. Hal Robson-Kanu said it is an approach that helps lift the mood. ‘That shows his charisma,’ said the striker. ‘He is a top manager for the way that he handles players. He alleviates pressure that other nations might feel.’ Midfielder Andy King added: ‘That’s just him letting his hair down and shows the relaxed atmosphere we’ve got in the camp at the moment.’ Assistant manager Osian Roberts explained: ‘It was just a little bit of a joke between the staff and fun — nothing untoward towards England. We know their staff and management well. ‘We want to keep our team as tight as we can for as long as we can, although that is difficult.’ King, who is in line to start against Slovakia on Saturday, said the squad are also taking confidence from Leicester City’s incredible title victory. King won the Barclays Premier League with his club, who began last season as 5,000-1 outsiders, while Wales are around 80-1 to win in France. ‘I think what we achieved at Leicester has changed perceptions of what is possible, the whole outside expectation as well, not just within the dressing room,’ he said. ‘It probably gives everyone a thought, especially in a tournament where you have six or seven games, that you can win it.’