Wales are clinging on to their last few strands of hope as the final group game against England kicks off at 7pm UK time this evening. There are simple mathematics involved. Wales lose and they are out.

Tonight’s Teams

Confirmed England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Henderson, Rice; Foden, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane

Confirmed Wales XI: Ward; Mepham, Rodon, Davies; James, Ramsey, Ampadu, Allen, N.Williams; Bale, Moore

If Wales do manage what seems to be an impossible task in beating England they have to rely upon the USA and Iran drawing in their game, and that is the only real permutation on offer to Wales. It seems unlikely that Gareth Bale or Aaron Ramsey won’t start despite a relatively poor showing in this World Cup. That presents a small headache for manager Rob Page as Joe Allen seems to be fit and Ethan Ampadu has had two decent games for his country so far. Including Allen, Bale and Ramsey in his starting eleven means a distinct lack of pace, but it could supply more creativity. Joe Allen is a starter for some, ahead of Ramsey.

Ex Wales international Robbie Savage has said this morning. “Let’s get real: Wales need a miracle to go through. But although it’s a long shot, it’s not totally out of the question that they could could beat England narrowly with Iran and the USA drawing to leave the door slightly ajar. Any sort of win, or at least a much-improved performance, would be a major confidence boost for Rob Page and his players after the crushing disappointment of that defeat by Iran. To live with England, Page may have to decide whether to go with youthful energy or experience. Can you play Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen in the same starting eleven ? Five or six years ago, absolutely — but this is 2022, not 2016. My preference would be to start with Dan James and Brennan Johnson’s mobility to get Wales up the pitch and stretch England’s back line if possible. And although Bale was far from his best against Iran, he has to start. If you need a set piece, a penalty or a piece of magic to tip the game your way, Bale is still likeliest to deliver when it matters or pull a rabbit from the hat.”

It’s a long shot tonight, and one which will turn out to be one of the most unlikeliest results of the tournament so far, Wales really haven’t looked up to it. However, most if these players named today maybe won’t see another World Cup, so what’s stopping them doing what Japan did to Germany or Saudi Arabia did to Argentina ? Possibly the fact that apart from hosts Qatar as it stands today, Wales are just not good enough.

Photographs licensed from Reuters

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