ENGLAND and Wales have both come under fire for disappointing displays in their second World Cup game so the stakes are high as they face off in the Group B decider.
After crushing Iran 6-2 in their opener, hopes were high that Gareth Southgate's side would sweep the USA aside to book their place in the knockout stages.
I fancied them for more goals but instead the Three Lions lost their mojo and were a tad fortunate to escape with a 0-0 draw as the Americans had most of the pressure.
Some fans even booed them off the pitch but the reaction was a bit over the top with England still sitting at the top of the group and in good shape to reach the last 16.
However, Southgate would have preferred to have finished the job against the Yanks as his side now face a derby against a Welsh team who need to go all out for the win.
Rob Page's men also drew against America in their opener and hopes were high that they would follow it up with a win over a demoralised Iranian side.
Our man Mark was among many who backed the Dragons for a win but instead they crashed to a 2-0 defeat as Iran totally dominated the second half.
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Conceding twice in stoppage time was cruel on Wales after having keeper Wayne Hennessy sent off but nobody could begrudge Carlos Quieroz's dominant side the win.
The World Cup dream is still alive though and a win over England would take them through if Iran and the USA draw in the other game. But any other result in that match will leave the Dragons needing to beat their neighbours by four goals to progress.
How the bookies view it
It's no great surprise to see England as Highbet's 2/5 favourites with Wales outsiders at 13/5. Never rule out a draw in a derby and that pays 17/5 with the same firm.
Head to head
England have beaten Wales in their last six meetings and you have to go back to 1984 to find the last time the Dragons mauled the Three Lions. It ended in a 3-0 friendly victory for the English when they last faced off in 2020 but the last competitive meeting was far closer.
It looked like Wales would claim a 1-1 draw in the group stage at Euro 2016 only for Daniel Sturridge to score a last-minute winner. Chris Coleman's men had the last laugh though as they reached the semi-finals while England crashed out to Iceland.
Players to watch
Harry Kane hasn't really had a sniff of goal yet at Qatar 2022, acting as a provider against Iran before being starved of service against the USA until he nodded wide in stoppage time. A few pundits have called for him to be rested for this one but it looks like Kane will start. Something has to drop for him at some point and he's 27/25 with Highbet for anytime scorer.
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Page's big decision is whether he sticks with golden oldies Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey after both contributed little against Iran. The biggest threat for Wales now comes from battering ram Kieffer Moore and he should lead the line once more. The big striker is 15/4 with Highbet for anytime scorer and McBookie price him at 17/2 to net with a header.
Anything else catch the eye?
Only one yellow card was flashed when these sides did battle at Euro 2016 but I'm expecting a busier day for the referee in this one with so much at stake. Highbet are offering 183/50 on someone being sent off but it might be safer going for over 2.5 Welsh cards at 5/4 with Unibet. The same firm also offer a decent 19/20 on most cards going to Wales.
Twelve corners were racked up when these teams faced off at the Euros, with nine of them going to England. Backing the Three Lions at -2.5 in the handicap pays 9/10 with Highbet while over 9.5 match corners is 5/4 with Unibet.
England will probably have most of the ball with Wales looking to hit them on the break. Page has pace down the flanks so I like the evens on offer at Unibet for over 1.5 Welsh offsides.
This World Cup match between Wales and England will be played on Nov 29, 2022 and kick off at 19:00. Check below for our tipsters best Wales vs England prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
