Wales v England predictions: Changes can stimulate a response from Three Lions

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Wales v England in World Cup Group B on Tuesday.

Where to watch

BBC One, 7pm Tuesday

Best bet

England to win to nil
1pt 13-10 Betfred

England defended well for large parts of their goalless draw against the USA on Friday and the Three Lions can advance to the last 16 with a victory and a clean sheet against Wales, who might not have much left to give after their disastrous 2-0 loss to Iran.

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Match preview

England didn't look anything like potential World Cup winners when grinding out a 0-0 draw against the USA on Friday, but they remain in charge of Group B and can clinch top spot with victory over Wales.

Given the timing of the tournament there was always the possibility of player fatigue being a factor - and there was a jaded look about both England and Wales in their second group fixtures.

The Three Lions struggled for large parts of their goalless stalemate against the US while Wales slid to a 2-0 defeat against a vibrant Iran.

It would make sense for both managers to give certain players a breather, but England boss Gareth Southgate finds himself in a more flexible position than Dragons counterpart Robert Page, who doesn't boast the same strength in reserve.

Page leans heavily on Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, who have gone from being regular substitutes at their clubs to integral players at the World Cup.

Both lacked energy in the second half against Iran but they did combine to win a crucial penalty against USA in their opener, which is responsible for Wales still having a shot at reaching the round of 16.

Page has a tough decision to make. He could start one or both of his talismen on the bench and hope his alternative options bring fresh legs, but none of his backup options are particularly attractive.

Fulham winger Dan James was taken off after an ineffectual 45 minutes against USA, while Swansea midfielder Joe Allen hasn't started a game since September 17 due to injuries.

Whichever decision Page takes he may struggle to generate the performance needed to give England a serious run for their money.

While Wales may struggle to find a response, there is every chance of one from England.

Southgate has some outstanding players waiting in the wings and he could come up with any number of winning combinations.

Marcus Rashford has as good a claim as anyone to force his way into starting 11, but Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Callum Wilson will be just as eager to make their mark on the tournament.

A handful of changes seem inevitable after Friday's underwhelming showing and they should have a positive impact by generating a freshness which England sorely lacked against the USA.

England should be better in attack and there is no reason to believe they will be any less solid at the back as a disciplined defensive performance, led by Harry Maguire, was one positive to come out of Friday's second group clash.

Maguire could struggle when he comes up against the very best players on the planet, but he looks ideally suited to negating Kieffer Moore, who is arguably Wales's biggest threat, and can help England negotiate a successful end to their group-stage campaign.

Key stat

Wales have lost two of their last three matches without scoring.

Team news

Wales
Wayne Hennessey is suspended after his sending off against Iran so Danny Ward is set for his first start of the tournament in goal.

England
Gareth Southgate is pondering a few changes with Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish and Jordan Henderson likely to be under consideration. James Maddison has rejoined full training.

Probable teams

Wales (3-5-2) Ward; Mepham, Rodon, Davies; Roberts, Ramsey, Ampadu, Wilson, N Williams; Bale, Moore.

England (4-2-3-1) Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Henderson, Rice; Rashford, Mount, Grealish; Kane.

Inside info

Wales

Top scorer in probable team Gareth Bale
Star player Gareth Bale
Penalty taker Gareth Bale
Assist ace Aaron Ramsey
Set-piece aerial threat Kieffer Moore
Card magnet Kieffer Moore

England

Top scorer in probable team Harry Kane
Star player Harry Kane
Penalty taker Harry Kane
Assist ace Harry Kane
Set-piece aerial threat Harry Maguire
Card magnet Kyle Walker

Wales v England Bet Builder

England to win
England are in a decent position and they can wrap up top spot by with a victory over Wales, who could be set for an early exit at only their second World Cup finals.

Wales under 0.5 goals
Wales created very few clear cut chances in their loss to Iran and they may struggle to find the net against the Three Lions.

Marcus Rashford to score the first goal
The Manchester United man impressed off the bench against Iran and looks as likely as anyone to be the man to break Welsh hearts.

Price guide 8-1

Match information

Stadium Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan
Fifa rankings Wales 19, England 5
Weather Clear, 25C

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