Wales striker Gareth Bale (R) celebrates with teammate Chris Gunter after scoring the opening goal versus Slovakia. (Photo : Getty Images)
A high-profile matchup between two of the most star-studded teams in the 2016 UEFA European Championship, England (0-0-1, 1 point) and Wales (1-0-0, 3 points), are scheduled to take place at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens on Thursday, June 16.
The match is virtually a must-win for the Three Lions after their setback in the opening round while the Dragons are settled on top of Group B after their impressive win during the last matchday.
England settled for a 1-1 draw with Russia in their tournament-opener at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille last Saturday, SkySports reported.
The two teams went goalless for most of the contest until attacking midfielder Eric Dier finally broke the deadlock late at the 73rd minute as head coach Roy Hodgson's men have failed to live up to their lofty standards.
Expected English scorers Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, and Adam Lallana are all shut down during the match as they cannot seem to find the net of their opponents.
It looked like a 1-0 win for the Three Lions after full time, but Russia defender Vasili Berezutski netted the equalizer during stoppage time to halt the English party and grab a share of a point in the group table.
Meanwhile, Wales is the only team in Group B that has a victory under their name so far after their 2-1 triumph over Slovakia also last Saturday at the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux in Bordeaux, as per ESPN.
Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale led head coach Chris Coleman's squad as he scored the opening goal of the match right at the 10th minute, giving his side the initial upperhand while showcasing his peerless skills on the field.
The Slovakians managed to equalize at the 61st minute with a goal from midfielder Ondrej Duda off an assist by teammate Robert Mak, but the Dragons scored again twenty minutes later via striker Hal Robson-Kanu's shot from a cross by midfielder Aaron Ramsey.
Considering history between these two national teams, England clearly has the advantage of a 66-14 slate versus Wales all-time. However, the latter has the momentum with Bale in top form while the Englishmen are looking rather confused on the pitch and making uncharacteristic mistakes.
The predicted result is a 2-1 upset victory for Wales.
England starting lineup (4-3-3 formation): Hart; Walker, Cahill, Smalling, Rose; Alli, Dier, Rooney; Lallana, Kane, Sterling
Wales starting lineup (3-4-3 formation): Ward; Chester, A. Williams, Davies; Gunter, Edwards, Allen, Taylor; J. Williams, Bale, Ramsey
