Salford pubs are preparing for tonight’s World Cup match between the two home nations.
Tonight’s match will be the first time the sides have faced each other at the Fifa World Cup finals.
England have had a mixed start to their World Cup campaign, thrashing Iran 6-2 in the first game yet putting in a lacklustre performance to draw 0-0 with the USA.
Wales drew their first group game with the USA thanks to a late equaliser from captain Gareth Bale. Their second game against Iran ended 2-0 to the Iranians, after two goals deep into injury time.
These results leave England top of the group, and Wales bottom, with one match to go before the knockout rounds.
The match, which kicks off at 7pm tonight, will be only the second time England have faced Wales at a major international tournament. The first was England’s famous 2-1 win against the Dragons at Euro 2016, when Daniel Sturridge scored a last-gasp winner.
Despite Wales’ position at the foot of Group B, it is still possible for them to progress. If they can beat England by any margin, and Iran and the USA’s game finishes as a draw, then Wales would be through to the round of 16.
However, if either Iran or the USA win their match, which kicks off at 7pm also, then Wales would have to win by a margin of at least four goals to progress at the expense of England.
England’s predicted line-up has been leaked, with four changes expected to be made by Gareth Southgate. See the line-up below.
🚨 Expected England XI vs. Wales:
Pickford, Walker, Maguire, Stones, Shaw, Henderson, Rice, Bellingham, Foden, Rashford, Kane. #ENG | #FIFAWorldCup
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) November 29, 2022
The game is being broadcast at pubs and bars across Salford, and landlords are expecting it to be one of their busiest nights of the year.
Hollie, a bartender from the New Oxford pub, off Chapel Street, said: “Me personally, I don’t agree with a World Cup at this time of year.
“But November is always a tough month for everyone, in the lead-up to Christmas. It’s giving people something to do, to come out and support the World Cup.”
Fans from both sides gave their score predictions and thoughts on the match.
A Welsh fan said: “If Bale and Ramsey turn up like we know they can then we’ve got a chance. But if not, then England are just too good for us.”
An England supporter predicted: “England 4-1. Happy that Foden has made it into the line-up but not sure what Henderson offers. It feels like a very defensive midfield.
Another England fan said: “Happy to see Walker and Foden back in the team. I think with them boys back, it’s gotta be a solid 2-0 win.”
Supporters can watch the match on BBC One. Coverage starts at 6pm.
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