At 3 a.m. Beijing time on November 30, the World Cup group stage continued to play, with Wales facing England. As a team with limited strength in European football, Wales has played well in the last two major competitions, and the previous World Preliminary Round highlighted the qualification to enter the finals, and did not continue the dark horse posture after many years of participating in the World Cup. The defeat in front of them basically deprived the Red Dragons of their hope of reaching the knockout rounds, and they faced arch-rivals England more for glory.
The previous World Cup and European Championship losses gave the Englishman valuable experience and is once again expected to win the title under manager Gareth Southgate, and the team is also regarded as the favorite to win the title. Having multiple attackers in the front court allows for more changes in the tactical system. Southgate's tactics and training are supported by many players in England, which is important to avoid intra-team discord during the tournament. Central defender Walker says the Three Lions are more talented than ever under the manager.
At this stage, England is ranked 5th in the world, and despite the poor performance of the UEFA Nations League before, it quickly adjusted and integrated into the World Cup, ranking first with 1 win, 1 draw, 0 defeat and 4 points, 2 points ahead of 3rd place. Scoring 6 goals and conceding 2 goals in attack and defense, both of which are the best in the group. There is no way back behind the Welsh side, and winning is a glimmer of life, with the team finishing fourth with 0 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss and 1 point, and 2 points behind 2nd place at the bottom. The lack of a decisive player in the forward line led to scoring only one goal, while the defensive end conceded three goals acceptable.
England's first-round face against Iran was unexpected, with goals from Saka and other players sweeping the Persian Iron Horse 6-2. The Three Lions did not find a sense in attack against the United States in the second round, and their eight shots and three shots were not at their forward level, thanks to the defensive solidity did not allow opponents to create chances and eventually draw 0-0. After the game, Southgate said that the game was tough, the team could not sweep all the way, and we could win the last game to qualify. The implication is clear that Wales will go all out to win against the final round.
Wales' first-round opponents were the United States, and the two sides were close to playing more anxiously, with the Red Dragons relying on Bale's penalty shot in the final minute to score a thrilling 1-1 point. Facing Iran, Wales were unable to resist their opponents' attack and suffered a 2-0 defeat by scoring two goals in stoppage time. The red card suspension of main goalkeeper Hennesey is a serious blow to the team, and the substitute goalkeeper Ward has limited strength, and it may be difficult to resist the attack against England in this game.
Being properly adjusted, there was no fatigue throughout the England squad, and the relaxed atmosphere in the squad allowed them to get into the game better. The lack of creativity in the Welsh midfield could not be solved, seriously affecting their forward movement, and the lack of sporting goals in the first two rounds was telling, which made England feel bold to put more pressure on their defence. In addition, Luke Shaw said in an interview that Wales mocked the team's Euro 16 exit would give them extra motivation, and now winning can make Wales out believing they would like to see this happen. This match is considered to be England's big win to qualify.