PREVIEW: FIFA World Cup Group B - England vs Wales

FIFA 2022 World Cup

Group B: England vs Wales

29 November 2022

Ahmad bin Ali stadium, Al Rayyan

KO- 21:00 (SA Time)

Match Preview:

It’s a historic game in the British family.

This would mark the first time England face a fellow Brit nation in a FIFA World Cup. Wales Wales look to go all out and shock their more successful brothers, but they have their work cut out for them.

Currently, a point clear at the top, Gareth Southgate’s side are the favourites to win Group B. They have four points from two matches, and a healthy goal difference, thanks to the 6-2 demolition of Iran in the opening game.

The second game against the United States of America (USA) was tightly contested for the Three Lions, who walked away with a point from that goal difference.

Rob Page’s team opened with a promising point after also playing to an entertaining one-all draw against the US. Gareth Bale netted the equalizer from the penalty spot, with only eight minutes left on the clock.

Their second match is one they would not like to even see. They suffered a 2-0 defeat to Iran, with both goals coming deep in injury time. 

In what would be the 104th class between these two nations, with England winning the last five, while conceding one goal, are tipped to continue where they left off.

To advance to the last 16, the Welsh team needs to win and hope political rivals US and Iran play to a draw. If that game doesn’t end in a draw, they must beat their neighbours by four clear goals. A tall order.

Team News:

England

Manager Southgate confirmed he will ring changes for this game, after using the same starting line-up in the first two matches against Iran and the US respectively.

With a win important not only to remain on top of the group, but to avoid the rampant defending champions France in the last 16, a refreshed squad is vital for the Three Lions.

The good news is captain Harry Kane, who has been troubled by a knock, is available for selection according to Southgate.

“There's only Ben White missing with illness, so to this point we've pretty much got everyone available to select from which is a great position for us to be in, it makes decisions difficult of course but you want a fully fit squad."

Wales

In a World Cup tournament that has been full of upsets, Page believes  England are beatable. It has been 34 years, six months, and 27 days since the Dragons won against England and Page seems to believe that statistic will not be a factor.

“I think this tournament has shown that every team is beatable. I really do. So, of course, England are beatable. They've got a wonderful pool of players to choose from, I might add, so whatever team he puts on that pitch is going to be a tough challenge for us,” said Page.

Players to watch:

Brennan Johnson

Age: 21

Club: Nottingham Forest (England)   

Dubbed by Page, as the future of Welsh football, Brennah Johnson is an exciting young attacker, whom many look at as the successor to the outgoing generation of Bale and Aaron Ramsey.

The 21-year-old can play in three different positions in the final third, as the focal point, from a wide role, and as a 10.

It’s worth noting Johnson was eligible to represent England, Wales, and Jamaica. He played for the England U17s before switching his nationality to Wales in 2018.

Bukayo Saka

Age: 21

Club: Arsenal (England)

When England demolished Iran 6-2 in their opening game, Arsenal striker Bukayo Saka, who has strong Nigerian roots, made history on the day. Coming from a high-flying Gunners team currently leading in the English Premier League, Saka became the youngest player to score two goals more in a World Cup debut since German great Franz Beckenbauer in 1966.

Voted man of the match in that game, it's not surprising why Southgate considers Saka a “hugely exciting” and a “fantastic talent”. His use of speed, skill, and finishing upfront makes the 20-year-old a future star of this hugely talented England team full of top youthful talent