Russia’s injury-time equaliser in their opening match has left Hodgson’s men in danger of repeating their embarrassing group stage exit at the 2014 World Cup. “I never said that they didn’t have passion and pride, I just feel in my opinion that we have more”, Bale said on Tuesday.
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Trailing by a goal, the English rallied to beat British rival Wales 2-1 Thursday with second-half strikes from Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge, who both entered at halftime with their team’s future in the tournament looking bleak.
England need a positive result after conceding a late equaliser in their opener against Russian Federation, while Wales, who beat Slovakia 2-1 on Saturday, could qualify for the round of 16 with another win.
The Three Lions played OK against Russian Federation but did what they do best at tournaments – fluffed their lines. Whether we need three points, four points, five points to go through, that is the desired outcome.
“In worldwide football you don’t really get that”.
He explained: “The Welsh team will be a lot easier than the Russian side”.
If England draw the lowest they can finish is second place and could still claim top spot if Wales draw with Russian Federation.
Asked why he thought they had taken that approach, Rooney added: “You’ll have to ask the Wales players that”. For me this was the middle game of three and we have to show a reaction against a tough Russian team.
Bale has been a central figure in the build-up to the game and he’s set to play a major role in the match, too.
“We will have to wait and see (if he starts versus Slovakia)”.
Coleman is clear England go into the game with their future in the championship in the balance while there is little expectation focused on his side.
“I’m 100% behind the move”, Morgan said. A few of us have spoken, the manager has spoken, and we will regroup and get over it.
“This is the game of this group”, said Taylor.
England fell behind to a Gareth Bale 35-yard free-kick which was spilled over the line by Joe Hart just before the break. We play for the shirt and dragon. “They are the only two who try to speak to players and try to intimidate players”, said Rooney. He was always going to run out of gas – he only had 20 minutes against Slovakia. I don’t think I’ve said anything wrong.
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“There are attacking players on the bench we can use and there are great options there”.
