FIFA World Cup 2022 England vs Wales Group B: Head to head, stats, predicted lineups, formations

England take on Wales in their final Group B encounter of FIFA World Cup 2022 on Wednesday. Having trounced Iran 6-2 in their cup opener and drawn 0-0 with USMNT, Harry Kane and co are virtually assured of a knockout berth, given their high goal difference (GD).   

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For Wales, on the other hand, qualification is difficult as they face a strong side. They will also have to produce a favourable GD. However, the Welsh would look forward to ending their campaign on a high with a win against neighbours and football powerhouse England.

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England vs Wales: head-to-head

The two sides have played as many as 103 encounters previously, although the Wednesday fixture is bound to be the first one in FIFA World Cups. Overall England have an edge with 68 wins, 21 draws and 14 losses. 

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Their first international encounter was through a friendly in 1879 which England won 2-1. The two sides have had several notable encounters since, including their first World Cup qualification match in 1949 (England won it 4-1) and the 2016 UEFA Euro battle that also went the Three Lions’ way. The two last met in 2020 in another friendly which England won 3-0.

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England vs Wales: Stats

Gareth Bale, by far the most successful football player in Welsh history is featuring in the squad. He scored against England in the UEFA Euro game in 2016 and led Wales to the semi finals of the cup. Defender Conor Coady of England, who scored one of the three goals in England’s 3-0 win over Wales in 2020 is also in their squad. While a draw and in some cases even a loss may see England sail into the last 16, a win would virtually ensure that they finish as the group toppers.

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England vs Wales predicted lineups, formations

England’s predicted lineup:

Kane(c), Pickford; Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Bellingham, Rice; Saka, Mount, Sterling 

Formation: 4-2-2-2 or 4-3-3

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Wales’ predicted lineup:

Bale (c), Ward; Mepham, Rodon, Davies; Roberts, Allen, Ampadu, Wilson, Williams; Moore

Formation: 5-3-2