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World Cup qualifying (Euro) Group 6 Preview: Wales v England [Fri Sep 2nd, 2005]
After the predictably apocalyptic response to England’s thrashing in Denmark, the axe is waiting to fall on Sven and his players if they don’t get it right against Toshack’s evolving Dragons.
BACKGROUND
Cardiff, Wales is the place to be in Europe if you want to party on Saturday – that’s if Wales win, of course. One of the continent’s fastest growing capital cities will be buzzing from dawn and the Millennium Stadium will be a cavern of passion and pride. A wounded England come west to prove to the UK media, and themselves, that they are worthy World Cup contenders.
Erik-speriment Or Player Power?
The big news since the Parken second half circus act has been a change in tactics from he of the large forehead. Eriksson has switched to a steadier (I say more dynamic) 4-5-1 (which it will rarely be when England are in possession).
The often under-fire David Beckham (at least when he wears the England shirt) will shift infield alongside Lampard and Gerrard, making-way for the popular choice of Shaun Wright-Phillips on the right flank, with the frequently impressive and highly talented Joe Cole playing on the left.
It remains to be seen if this thinking persists when the suspended Owen returns, but recent reports suggested the players forced Sven’s tactical hand after the 4-1 friendly defeat. It probably isn’t so, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a certain amount of tension and un-exorcised anger within the camp.
If Wales make it difficult or even go ahead in the first half, it will rock the ego-filled boat. England must keep their feet firmly on the ground and show the professionalism shockingly absent in their last outing.
Toshack: We Don’t Man Mark
John Toshack is a man without pretension, and knows what he has in his Wales squad. Although England far outstrips their opposition in terms of options and quality, the boss refuses to make special arrangements, even for the likes of the magical Rooney, “We don’t man-mark anybody. I have never, ever done it in 27 years as a manager and I would never do it.â€
It could come back to haunt Wales, as Rooney may be less inclined to drop deep, where he hurts opponents so much, as he is playing the lone role and will have to bring his oncoming teammates into play.
A Welsh backline deprived of the experienced Mark Delaney and the improving James Collins (who lacks sufficient playing time to merit a start) must be extra careful to cater for the pace and stealth of Rooney, plus Wright Phillips and Joe Cole when England break quickly.
It’s A Nationalism Thing
This match may seem like a mere trifle of a contest to most of you, with a largely predictable conclusion. After all, the size of the nations in footballing terms is incomparable and, certainly, England should be viewed as favorites. However, the rivalry between the nations should never be called into question.
For the Welsh, a victory in anything over the old enemy is worth celebrating for months and, as a result, England take great satisfaction in responding by rubbing our noses in it given the opportunity (which seems frequently ample!). Come on lads!!!
TEAM NEWS
Wales: The shaky Danny Coyne should retain the gloves due to Lewis Price’s lack of experience, while a host of defensive injuries forces a reshuffle.
Either David Partridge or Rob Page will step in to partner defensive lynchpin Gabbidon at the centre of a back four, with Richard Duffy probably making his senior debut at right back. Simon Davies’ fitness boost is welcome news down the right wing, while Earnshaw comes in for Bellamy to partner Hartson in attack.
England: ‘Calamity James’ is dropped from the squad as Paul Robinson returns in goal. The only contentious issue in terms of selection in the new set-up is at the back, which should see Jamie Carragher come in for the injured John Terry, while Luke Young or Phil Neville will replace brother Gary at right back.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Wales: John Hartson. You can’t really miss him. By all accounts the big man knocked the stuffing out of Rio Ferdinand in training at West Ham when they played there together. The cultured England defender has admitted it will be a handful, and Hartson is unlikely to be as penalized as much as usual for his physical play, due to the nature of the opposition.
England: Shaun Wright-Phillips. All eyes, inevitably, will rightfully be on the breathtaking Rooney and how well he fares in the lone role, but interlinking with attacking support will be key. They don’t come much more enterprising than SWP. It could be big day for the ex-Man City youngster, and he will be up against Ryan Giggs and a relatively inexperienced Sam Ricketts at left back. This could be the Dragons' undoing.
PROBABLE TEAMS
Wales (4-4-2): Coyne, Ricketts, Page/Partridge, Gabbidon, Duffy, Giggs, Fletcher, Robinson, Davies, Hartson, Earnshaw
Subs: Price, J Collins, Koumas, Vaughan, Williams
England (4-5-1): Robinson, A Cole, Carragher, Ferdinand, Young/Neville, J Cole, Gerrard, Lampard, Beckham, Wright-Phillips, Rooney
Subs: Green, Upson, Warnock, Hargreaves, Defoe
John Rowlands
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