Wales v England preview

Wales v England World Cup guide – the fixtures, results, team news and odds

Everything is on the line in Al Rayyan as England face Wales in the final game of Group B.

The home nations have had differing starts to the World Cup. England cruised past Iran 6-2 in their opening game, but were below-par in their goalless draw with the USA.

For Wales, their late equaliser against the USA lifted spirits, but defeat to Iran last time out left their dreams of a last-16 place hanging by a thread.

England top the group heading into Tuesday’s clash, while Wales are bottom.

When is Wales v England at the 2022 World Cup?

England face Wales in their final group games. The game takes place on Tuesday, 29th November, kicking off at 19:00 GMT.

The ‘Three Lions’ have won each of their last six games against Wales, scoring 11 goals in that run and conceding only one. Wales’ last victory was in May 1984, when Mark Hughes netted the only goal.

Read more about Group B in our detailed preview.

What do England need to progress from Group B?

England sit top of the group on four points from their two games. Gareth Southgate’s side only need to avoid defeat against Wales to secure their place in the last-16.

Victory over Wales would confirm their place as group winners and a second-round clash with the runners-up in Group A.

What do Wales need to progress from Group B?

The challenge for Wales is simple. Beat England to have any chance of getting out of the group. But, they also need Iran’s match with the USA to end in a draw.

If USA v Iran doesn’t end level, Wales must beat England by four goals to progress.

What are the odds on Wales v England at the 2022 World Cup?

Wales are 7/1 to get the win they need to have any chance of qualifying from Group B. And you can get 4/1 (was 29/10) on Gareth Bale netting the opening goal with our Top Price Guarantee.

England go into the game as odds-on favourites, with the draw 7/2.

We’ve got another Top Price Guarantee for the match, this one is on Harry Kane. It’s 7/2 he opens the scoring for the ‘Three Lions’ and moves closer to Wayne Rooney’s record.

Latest odds for Wales v England

What is the latest Wales v England team news and injury news?

Wales will be without first-choice goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey after his red card against Iran. Danny Ward will replace him.

Joe Allen came off the bench against Iran so could be in line to start against England, while Brennan Johnson and Dan James are likely to vie for a starting spot.

Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey may not have shone against Iran, but they should start along with Kieffer Moore.

England have a fully fit squad to pick from after James Maddison joined in training after the USA draw.

Kyle Walker may return in defence, while many pundits have called for Phil Foden’s inclusion to give the ‘Three Lions’ the spark they missed in their second game.

Who are England’s key players?

While England’s draw with the USA may not have pleased many, the clean sheet will have pleased Harry Maguire and John Stones, who were solid at the back. Full-backs Kieran Trippier and Luke Shaw provided some creativity, while Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford looked lively coming off the bench.

Who are Wales’ key players

Gareth Bale is the Wales player that the opposition will be most concerned about before every game kicks off: a rare talent who can affect a game with one swing of his left foot – as he showed against the USA.

The Welsh attack is supplemented by a range of Premier League players, including target man Kieffer Moore and the speedy pair of Brennan Johnson and Dan James.

What are the odds on England to win the 2022 World Cup?

England have drifted to 15/2 to win the World Cup and claim a first men’s international trophy since Bobby Moore skippered the ‘Three Lions’ to Wembley victory in 1966. After reaching the semis and final at their last two major tournaments, the hope is that England can go one better this winter. The Lionesses showed the way by winning Euro 2022; now it’s over to the men’s side to see what they can do on the biggest stage.

What are the odds on Wales to win the 2022 World Cup?

Wales are 1,000/1 to win the World Cup after a stuttering start. Can they channel the spirit of Euro 2016 when they reached the semi-finals? Rob Page’s side are 14/1 to qualify from Group B.

Who are the England’s and Wales’ managers?

Gareth Southgate is England’s head coach, having taken the reins after Sam Allardyce’s departure. Despite only being in charge for less than two years by the time the 2018 World Cup rolled round, Southgate oversaw England’s best performance in decades as they reached the semi-final. They even won a penalty shootout!

Sadly, they could not repeat that against Italy in the Euro 2020 final, falling at the final hurdle. Nonetheless, Southgate’s achievements in guiding the ‘Three Lions’ to genuine trophy contention should be lauded, and he has introduced a slew of talented young players into the team.

Wales’ head coach is Rob Page, a former Welsh international defender with over 500 appearances under his belt for club and country. Page coached the Wales Under-21s and acted as assistant to Ryan Giggs for the senior job, before becoming the full-time boss in 2020. He led his country to the last 16 at Euro 2020, and then masterminded their first qualification for a World Cup since 1958.