Anglo-Welsh rivalry to reach new peak on the pitch

The fixture began in January 1879 and for exactly 100 years from 1884 was part of the now disbanded British Championship. 

As the Welsh won their opening Group B game 2-1 against Slovakia before England conceded a last-minute goal in a 1-1 draw with Russia, they go into this encounter looking down on their neighbours, which has not often been the case. Wales have won only 14 of more than 100 previous meetings — the last in 1984 — and lost all four European Championship qualifying matches. 

Meanwhile, midfielder Aaron Ramsey said Wales would need to defend deep if they are to stifle England captain Wayne Rooney’s influence on their clash on Thursday. Ramsey said the different role for Rooney would allow him more time on the ball and Wales had to make sure he did not pick them apart. “Rooney is a fantastic player. He has great ability on the ball and a range of passing. We will have to look out for him, be wary of that. Hopefully we can keep him quiet,” he said. 

“It is not an easy position for him to play but a player of his quality probably finds it a bit easier to slot into there. We defend as a team, we can drop deep and be tough to break down so hopefully that works in our favour.”