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England vs Wales LIVE World Cup 2022: Kick off time, TV channel and team news for Group B decider

England and Wales meet at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Qatar later today for the first-ever home nations clash at a World Cup, with the so-called “Battle of Britain” a crucial clash to decide the final positionings in Group B.

The Three Lions are top of the group and need just a point to secure their passage to the knockout stages, while Wales are on the verge of elimination and must beat England for the first time since 1984 in order to advance, along with hoping that Iran and the USA draw.

England boss Gareth Southgate may make changes to the lineup that started both against Iran and Wales, amid widespread clamour for Phil Foden to be introduced. Kyle Walker is set to return from his injury lay-off to start in defence.

England have all but reached the last 16 and it would take a four-goal defeat to Wales for Southgate’s side to be eliminated. But Wales captain Gareth Bale appeared to be in bullish mood ahead of the must-win clash with Southgate’s men and said there is no reason Wales cannot pull off a shock and beat England.

The match will be shown live on BBC One, with coverage starting from 6pm GMT, as well as online on the BBC iPlayer. It will also be shown on channel S4C in Wales. In the US, kick off is 2pm ET/11am PT with the game live on Fox Sports and Universo.

World Cup 2022: Wales vs England

  • England take on Wales in 2022 World Cup Group B

  • Three Lions through to knockout stages with a point

  • Wales need big win to give themselves chance of qualification

  • Wales coach suggests Bale and Ramsey may not start

Do England need to win tonight to qualify for World Cup last 16?

15:10 , Karl Matchett

One World Cup match stands between England and the last 16 at Qatar.

A draw with the USA puts Gareth Southgate’s side on four points after two games, with the 6-2 thrashing of Iran also boosting their goal difference.

Wales await in the final group stage match, with England in prime position to reach the knockout stages of the tournament.

Top spot is also valuable, knowing they will avoid the winners of Group A should they hold on, with Iran just a point behind on three points, USA on two and Wales bottom on one.

Here are the permutations for England to advance to the last 16 and also secure top spot:

Do England need to win tonight to qualify for World Cup last 16?

World Cup 2022: England rumours hint at Phil Foden start and other changes

14:53 , Alex Pattle

A Daily Telegraph report suggests that Kyle Walker could come in at right back for England against Wales tonight, replacing Kieran Trippier.

Elsewhere in the line-up, it is rumoured that Phil Foden will start in a front three – after much clamouring for his inclusion – alongside Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford.

Rashford came off the bench in both of England’s first two Qatar World Cup games, and may replace Raheem Sterling in the starting line-up here.

Meanwhile, Foden is expected to come in for Bukayo Saka, and Jordan Henderson could replace Mason Mount in midfield.

Foden in training ahead of England’s Group B game against Wales (The FA via Getty Images)
Foden in training ahead of England’s Group B game against Wales (The FA via Getty Images)

Wales boss Rob Page suggests Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey may not start against England

14:39 , Michael Jones

Robert Page has suggested Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey could be used off the bench for Wales’ make or break World Cup clash with England.

Skipper Bale and Ramsey have been Wales’ best players over the last decade or so and guided the country to the last two European Championships and the 2022 World Cup.

But both players – Bale is 33 and Ramsey 31 – have been way below their best in Qatar, leaving some Wales fans to call for the pair to be benched with Page’s side on the brink of World Cup elimination.

Wales boss suggests Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey may not start against England

England and Wales cross paths while heading in opposite directions

14:27 , Michael Jones

It is a rare touch of mischief from Gareth Southgate, that also hints at some edge. The England manager is asked how conscious he is of Wales’s attitude to England, and the videos of, say, the squad celebrating the elimination to Iceland in Euro 2016. It does seem like easy motivation.

“I couldn’t say,” Southgate smiles. “We are aware of some of that but I couldn’t say if we would use it or not…”

If that would be an old trick, it would be for a new fixture. This is the first time that any of the United Kingdom teams have ever met at a World Cup, sharpening the edge around England’s slim chances of going out and Wales’s slim chances of going through.

England and Wales cross paths while heading in opposite directions

World Cup 2022: England remember Scotland clash

14:05 , Ben Burrows

Gareth Southgate has likened this upcoming game to the 0-0 draw against Scotland during the group stage of Euro 2020 last summer, with the neighbouring nations determined to get one over England.

“When we played Scotland, physically they found a level they hadn’t found before and couldn’t find in the game after,” he said.

“So that is the nature of this game. But you have to ride through that and make sure our quality counts and we are composed in our play. You have to match the spirit and display the quality with the ball that allows us to be ruthless.

“We have to make sure our emotional focus is on what we do well. I think our boys have got experience of these types of games. We have got to use the ball well, we’ve got to make sure we are thinking about how to break down a difficult defence. We are not sure what system they might play.

“There is a good chance that they could change, we will have to see, every team we have played has defended slightly differently against us to their normal because they recognise some of the threat we have got.

“We have to be prepared for all of that. Their obvious threat with Kieffer Moore or Gareth Bale or whichever individual they put in can change matches.”

 (PA)
(PA)

World Cup 2022: Problem with tournament footballs?

13:44 , Ben Burrows

While England hit Iran for six, they came up short in front of goal against the United States as Kieran Trippier suggested the ball - Adidas’ ‘Al Rihla’ - could be causing all World Cup teams some teething issues.

“Every time I’ve crossed the ball I’ve felt the balls are a bit different but there are no excuses really,” he said.

“I would just say the balls are a bit different but it is not the heat or anything. I’m not too sure, maybe it is the players!

“I feel it’s a bit lighter. It feels if you put too much power on it, it will just fly away but yeah it’s one of them where we have to deal with that, all of us do. We train with the same ones. It’s a football, isn’t it!”

World Cup 2022: Harry Kane eyes goalscoring record

13:22 , Ben Burrows

Harry Kane is just two goals shy of Rooney’s all-time England goalscoring record and will have targeted surpassing the ex-Manchester United man during these finals.

Kieran Trippier, who is in line to collect his 40th senior cap in Tuesday’s game, reckons the mentality of such elite players is what sets them apart from their contemporaries.

“Harry behind the scenes, the way he conducts himself and leads by example, especially with the team we’ve got, and the young players,” he said.

“They look up to him and watch him: how he trains, how he recovers, how he prepares for games.

“And there’s no one better to watch, even I’m still watching him every day and learning stuff off him every day because I look up to him as well.”

World Cup 2022: England vs Wales team news

13:07 , Ben Burrows

Gareth Southgate could make several changes to his side despite England’s strong position in Group B, with Kyle Walker and Jordan Henderson set to make their first starts of the World Cup.

The duo are likely to come in for Kieran Trippier and Mason Mount, respectively. Elsewhere, Southgate is set to resist the temptation to rest captain Harry Kane ahead of the knockout stages but could make other changes in his attack.

Marcus Rashford is also tipped to start, as is Phil Foden, after he was controversially left on the bench during the goalless draw with the USA. England have no suspension risks as they have not received a single booking so far.

Wales will be without goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey following his red card against Iran. Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey were poor in the 2-0 defeat but should stay in the side and Joe Allen could start after returning from the bench after injury.

Predicted line-ups

England: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Henderson, Bellingham; Foden, Kane, Rashford

Wales: Ward; Roberts, Mepham, Rodon, Davies, Williams; Ampadu, Allen, Ramsey; Moore, Bale

World Cup 2022: Gareth Bale targets shock

13:05 , Ben Burrows

Gareth Bale has insisted there is no reason Wales cannot pull off a shock and beat England in their final Group B fixture.

Having seen Japan, Saudi Arabia and Morocco already stun Germany, Argentina and Belgium, the Welsh talisman is targeting another surprise on Tuesday.

He said: “We know how difficult it will be. England are a very good team, They’re one of the favourites to win the tournament.

“We are under no illusions it will be hard, we’re going to give everything like we always do.”

 (PA)
(PA)

World Cup 2022: Miguel Delaney previews Wales vs England

12:50 , Ben Burrows

England and Wales go head-to-head in a Battle of Britain clash with very different aims as the World Cup group stage reaches crunch point.

Gareth Southgate’s men need to avoid a heavy defeat to progress, while victory might even be enough for Wales to extend their stay in Qatar.

Brazil and Portugal did just that on Monday during an eventful day at the finals which saw Bruno Fernandes score twice and Son Heung-min left in tears.

Here’s Miguel Delaney’s preview:

England and Wales cross paths while heading in opposite directions

World Cup 2022: Downing Street supporting both teams

12:28 , Ben Burrows

Downing Street said that Rishi Sunak would be supporting England in Tuesday’s World Cup match against Wales while also hoping that both teams can advance “as far as possible” in the competition.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “Obviously we want both teams to progress as far as possible. I think the Prime Minister personally is an England supporter.

“He’s talked about that before, but certainly we want both teams to progress as far as possible.”

World Cup 2022: England keen to move on from USA

12:02 , Ben Burrows

England will top Group B with a win against Wales, having already thrashed Iran 6-2 and shared the spoils in a goalless draw with the United States.

The USA stalemate was met with jeers from the England supporters in the Al Bayt Stadium but Jordan Henderson believes the result is just part of the rollercoaster ride of tournament football.

“That is what tournament football gives you, we expect high things from ourselves and the fans expect big things from us as well with what we have done over the past few years,” he added.

“That is part and parcel of football, really. It’s how you deal with it. It’s going to be emotional, you’re going to have different challenges in front of you, certainly in tournament football, and it’s how you deal with them and hopefully we can deal with them in the right way.”

World Cup 2022: England don’t need any extra motivation

11:45 , Ben Burrows

Jordan Henderson insists England will do their talking on the pitch rather than get into a war of words with Wales.

The home nations clash in the World Cup on Tuesday, with England all-but through from Group B and Wales needing a win to stand any chance of joining their neighbours in the last 16.

Speaking ahead of the finals, Wales striker Kieffer Moore said he “couldn’t wait” to knock England out.

The Torquay-born Bournemouth forward added it “would be amazing” to eliminate Gareth Southgate’s side in Qatar.

A video of Wales players celebrating England’s shock Euro 2016 exit to Iceland will also stoke the flames ahead of the clash at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium.

But Henderson is not interested in talking up the game beforehand and instead wants England to show their superiority on Tuesday night.

“For me, we don’t need extra motivation,” he said. “The motivation is to win games, and we’ll do our stuff on the pitch really, we will do our talking on the pitch, perform well and focus on what we’ve got to do, so that’s what we will do.”

World Cup 2022: England unlikely to rest Harry Kane

11:25 , Ben Burrows

Gareth Southgate is unlikely to make wholesale changes as a result, but there has been talk in the build-up about the benefits of resting captain Harry Kane with the knockout phase in mind.

“Obviously we’re going to pick a team that we believe can win the game,” he said when asked about the 2018 Golden Boot winner. “That’s our priority always.

“He’s fine in terms of the knock he had, which even though we keep saying it’s his foot everybody keeps saying it’s his ankle. I don’t quite know why that is but it’s his foot. He’s trained well, the whole group has.”

 (PA)
(PA)

World Cup 2022: Gareth Southgate not expecting more boos

11:02 , Ben Burrows

Southgate expects full-hearted backing from England’s supporters despite boos greeting the final whistle against the USA.

“I’m not really sure what the thing in the stadium was because when we went over to our fans I thought they were really good at the end of the game,” he said.

“We know there’ll be a lot of supporters of both countries there. It’s going to be a cracking atmosphere.

“Our fans will be with us for sure. There’s no question about that.

“I think they know the journey this team has been on over the last two tournaments, in particular.

“We’re top of the group at the moment, still a bit to do to qualify. But, as I said earlier, if we can win this game, then we can win the group and that was the first objective when we set out at the start of the tournament.”

World Cup 2022: Gareth Southgate explains England vs Wales rivalry

10:47 , Ben Burrows

Southgate seemed in relaxed mood at the pre-match press conference, with laughter filling the room at the Qatar National Convention Centre when asked to explain the rivalry.

“Well, basically they’re here and we’re right there!” he said with a smile. “There’s not a lot more I can say than that, really.

“It’s like any two countries whose borders are next to each other.

“There’s a competitive rivalry. For me, it’s a great sporting rivalry. It’s no more than that.

“That feeling might not be mutual, but I can understand that as well. I live in Yorkshire. They feel the same about the rest of England, so that’s where we’re at.

“It’s going to be a fantastic atmosphere in the stadium and we’re really looking forward to the game.”

World Cup 2022: Gareth Southgate aims to do talking on the pitch

10:25 , Ben Burrows

Among those comments were those from towering Wales striker Kieffer Moore, who this month said he would love to knock out England.

“He’s entitled to say whatever he wants leading into a game,” Southgate said when the former England C international’s comments were put to him. “I’d be amazed if he didn’t feel that way.

“We’ve got to just focus on what we’re about, preparing for the game in our normal way.

“We’ve got to bring our quality to the game and composure and play with tempo that makes our team really difficult to play against.

“So, it’s pointless us focusing on what is said before the game. We’ve got to go on the pitch and play well.”

World Cup 2022: Gareth Southgate praises Wales

10:05 , Ben Burrows

England head into the match as favourites against a Welsh side looking for their first World Cup win since 1958 - and first against their neighbours since 1984.

“They obviously have some world-class players who can produce moments of brilliance and have done for a long time with their clubs, with their country,” Southgate said. “They have a good spirit, they have a good organisation.

“We know the quality of the Ukraine team they beat to get to these finals and we know that they seem to have additional motivation to play against England from what they’re saying.”

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Gareth Southgate targets complete performance

09:49 , Ben Burrows

Gareth Southgate wants a complete World Cup performance as England look to progress to the knockout phase as group winners and end neighbours Wales’ Qatar stay in the process.

Having enjoyed their best ever start to a major tournament by thrashing Iran 6-2 last Monday, the side played out a frustrating 0-0 stalemate with the United States four days later.

England are assured of progress to the last 16 should they avoid a four-goal defeat to Wales, whose hopes hang by a thread after drawing with the US and losing to Iran in heart-breaking fashion.

All eyes will be on Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium as the rivals go toe-to-toe on Tuesday, when Southgate’s men can bring the curtain down on Wales’ first World Cup appearance since 1958.

“We want to win football matches,” the England boss said. “We have got to balance freshness with stability, so that’s always a decision you’re making when you’re picking a team.

“We’ve got a chance to win the group with a positive result, so there’s a lot for both teams resting on the game. There’s no game where there isn’t pressure on either team and really our performance is the key.

“We played well with the ball in our first game, scored a lot of goals. The second game was tougher for us, we defended really well. Now we want to put both elements of the game together.”

World Cup 2022: Joe Rodon ready to mark Spurs teammate Harry Kane

09:33 , Ben Burrows

Joe Rodon cannot wait for the “brilliant challenge” of tackling Tottenham team-mate Harry Kane in Wales’ make-or-break World Cup clash with England.

Centre-back Rodon says he has faced England captain Kane “maybe a million times in training” but never marked him in a competitive game.

That is set to come to an end at Doha’s Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Tuesday, with Wales needing to beat England for the first time in 38 years to be in with a chance of extending their World Cup stay into the knockout phase.

“Harry has been a top player for many years, one of the best in the world,” said Rodon, who joined Spurs from Swansea in 2020 and is currently on a season-long loan at French club Rennes.

“He is a brilliant finisher, both feet as well. He has scored many goals and is a world-class striker. I have trained and spent a couple of seasons with him and we all know how good he is.

“In a competitive game it is going to be another brilliant challenge, and one I am very excited about. Training with these players (at Spurs) for the last couple of seasons has improved me as a player a lot as well.”

World Cup 2022: Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey could be kept in reserve

09:15 , Ben Burrows

Robert Page has suggested Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey could be used off the bench for Wales’ make or break World Cup clash with England.

Skipper Bale and Ramsey have been Wales’ best players over the last decade or so and guided the country to the last two European Championships and the 2022 World Cup.

But both players - Bale is 33 and Ramsey 31 - have been way below their best in Qatar, leaving some Wales fans to call for the pair to be benched with Page’s side on the brink of World Cup elimination.

Manager Page said: “It’s a big ask for anybody in this environment to go four days later.

“I’m going to pick a team that I think can go out and compete against England, whether that’s with or without them. I’m not going to give that away.

“If they don’t start, can they can make an impact? That’s always been my dilemma playing games in quick succession. If they start one game, can they start the next? My thought process won’t be any different.

“Whether they come on and have an impact or start and last an hour or 90 minutes, they are talented footballers. We’re all getting criticism now and rightly so because results aren’t going our way and that’s the industry we’re in.

“We’re big enough to take it - it’s not a problem. We put our big boy pants on and get on with it.”

 (PA)
(PA)

Fans in Doha celebrate ahead of World Cup ‘battle of Britain'

08:55 , Shweta Sharma

England and Wales fans enjoyed a raucous night in Doha ahead of the crunch game that will decide their World Cup futures, with beer flowing and songs sounding throughout.

The city’s Red Lion pub has become a popular haunt for supporters of both home nations, and the tens of thousands of international fans who have travelled across continents for football’s biggest tournament.

Among the numbers on the heaving floor was new arrival Steven Williams, from Rhydyfelin in Pontypridd, South Wales, who had booked a ticket after seeing Wales‘ poor performance in the last two games.

“A lot of people put us down after the last game but I thought I have to go out there - I’m here flying the flag for the Welsh,” the 47-year-old said.

“I’d like to come out with a win tomorrow, but that almost doesn’t matter as much as the statement we’re making here in Qatar.

“We’ve waited 64 years for this and we’re here in the bars, the restaurants, in the Souq and everywhere in between making our presence known.”

World Cup 2022: Gareth Southgate refutes Phil Foden rumours

08:35 , Ben Burrows

Southgate also refuted suggestions Foden had not been in contention due to his club form heading into the finals.

“We have just got really good players,” he added.

“Bukayo Saka has been an outstanding player in the league this year. Raheem (Sterling) has scored 20 goals in 80 caps for England.

Jack (Grealish) and Marcus (Rashford) are also in good form. We are really happy with Phil, we are really happy to have Phil.

“He is going to play a big part in this tournament, there is no doubt in my mind about that.”

World Cup 2022: Wales boss suggests Bale and Ramsey may not start vs England

08:29 , Alex Pattle

Robert Page has suggested Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey could be used off the bench for Wales’ make or break World Cup clash with England.

Skipper Bale and Ramsey have been Wales’ best players over the last decade or so and guided the country to the last two European Championships and the 2022 World Cup.

But both players – Bale is 33 and Ramsey 31 – have been way below their best in Qatar, leaving some Wales fans to call for the pair to be benched with Page’s side on the brink of World Cup elimination.

Manager Page said: “It’s a big ask for anybody in this environment to go four days later. I’m going to pick a team that I think can go out and compete against England, whether that’s with or without them. I’m not going to give that away.

“If they don’t start, can they can make an impact? That’s always been my dilemma playing games in quick succession.”

More from the Wales coach here:

Wales boss suggests Bale and Ramsey may not start against England

World Cup 2022: Gareth Southgate cautious over Phil Foden

08:15 , Ben Burrows

England manager Gareth Southgate wants to ensure Phil Foden does not become a victim of his own success.

The Manchester City midfielder has played just 19 minutes of football in Qatar across England’s opening two games.

He came off the bench in the opening 6-2 thrashing of Iran but was an unused substitute in Friday’s goalless draw with the USA.

There was widespread clamour for Foden to be introduced and Southgate was criticised for not utilising the 22-year-old as his side struggled to create chances at the Al Bayt Stadium.

He could come into the side that faces Wales on Tuesday, with Southgate tipped to make changes - but the England boss has warned against expecting too much from Foden at this stage of his career.

“We have to be careful because we are putting a lot of pressure on him now,” he said.

“We’re a team and we need all of the players and they can all play a part but not any one of them is the reason we will win or lose.

“We need to make sure we are not building Phil into as situation where actually if he steps on the pitch this is becoming really difficult for him because the level of expectation is beyond a young guy who is still establishing himself internationally, in a different environment from his club where you’re comfortable with all the players you play with, it’s really distinctive, you’re going home every night, you’re calm with everything else.

“This is still a unique environment. He is still a really young player and he’s doing brilliantly well and we love him to bits. We also have got to look after him a bit as well.”

 (PA)
(PA)

Five memorable meetings between Wales and England ahead of World Cup clash

07:55 , Shweta Sharma

Today’s World Cup Group B contest will mark the 104th time Wales and England have met since their first encounter in 1879 when the hosts walked away 2-1 winners in an international friendly at London’s Kennington Oval.

Gareth Southgate’s men have history on their side with 68 wins, 14 losses and 21 draws, while Wales will hope to conjure the magic of some of their most historic victories to stay in the tournament.

15 October 1949: Wales 1 – 4 England, World Cup Qualifier (Ninian Park, Cardiff)

10 November 1954: England 3 -2 Wales, Home International (Wembley)

31 May 1977: England 0 – 1 Wales, Home International (Wembley)

17 May 1980: Wales 4 – 1 England, Home International (Racecourse Ground, Wrexham)

16 June 2016: England 2 – 1 Wales, Euro 2016 group stage (Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens)

Read the full report.

Five memorable meetings between Wales and England ahead of World Cup clash

World Cup 2022: Harry Kane fit to play against Wales

07:40 , Ben Burrows

Harry Kane will be available to start for England in the team’s final World Cup group game against Wales on Tuesday.

The striker took a hit on his ankle in England’s opening game against Iran and looked off the pace in the 0-0 draw with the United States on Friday.

England coach Gareth Southgate said the injury had caused issues with Kane’s foot, but on Monday said the player would be available against Wales.

“With Harry, obviously we are going to pick a team we believe can win the game,” Southgate said. “That is our priority as always.

“He is fine in terms of the knock he had. He’s trained well.”

 (AP)
(AP)

World Cup 2022: Robert Page believes England are beatable

07:26 , Ben Burrows

Wales manager Rob Page believes that despite a disappointing World Cup campaign his side are capable of beating England on Tuesday, hinting that Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey may start their final Group B clash on the bench.

Wales, bottom of the standings on one point, must beat England to have any chance of progressing -- but even a victory might not be enough as they would also need the other match between Iran and the United States to end in a draw.

“This tournament has shown that every team is beatable. So, of course, England are beatable,” Page told a news conference on Monday.

“They’ve got a wonderful pool of players to choose from, so whatever team they put on that pitch is going to be a tough challenge for us.

“But we want to show that we’re not just here to give disappointing performances.”

Jordan Henderson vows England will do talking on the pitch against Wales

06:55 , Shweta Sharma

Jordan Henderson insists England will do their talking on the pitch rather than get into a war of words with Wales.

The home nations clash at the World Cup on Tuesday, with England all but through from Group B and Wales needing a win to stand any chance of joining their neighbours in the last 16.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Wales striker Kieffer Moore said he “couldn’t wait” to knock out England.

Jordan Henderson vows England will do talking on the pitch against Wales

Gareth Bale adamant Wales are capable of shocking England in World Cup showdown

05:55 , Shweta Sharma

Gareth Bale insists Wales can upset England and provide another surprise in a World Cup of shock results.

Wales must beat England for the first time since 1984 on Tuesday to be in with a chance of making the knockout phase.

Even then, unless England are beaten by a four-goal margin, Wales need Iran and the United States to draw their final match to make the round of 16 in Qatar.

It is a tall order for a Wales side who have won only once in 10 games, but Bale says they can draw on respective underdog victories for Japan, Morocco and Saudi Arabia over Germany, Belgium and Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.

“There’s been a few shocks in the tournament already and there’s no reason why we can’t do the same,” the 33-year-old said.

“Everyone has weaknesses. We’ve done our homework and had meetings, and I’m sure they’ve done the same with us.

“We know how difficult it will be. England are a very good team, They’re one of the favourites to win the tournament.

“We are under no illusions it will be hard, we’re going to give everything like we always do.”

Wales captain Gareth Bale is aiming for another World Cup shock against England (PA Wire)
Wales captain Gareth Bale is aiming for another World Cup shock against England (PA Wire)

England and Wales fans to face extra police after violence in Tenerife

04:55 , Shweta Sharma

Fearing a repeat of violence ahead of the crucial England and Wales World Cup match, Spanish police have ordered a “special security operation” to prevent “possible riots” between the drunken fans.

Thousands of football fans from both sides have travelled to the Canary Islands due to strict alcohol laws in Qatar where drinking in public can be punished with six months of jail.

“The Local Police of Arona and the National Police force have coordinated to implement a special security operation in the tourist area in view of the upcoming World Cup matches in Qatar,” a statement from the local council said.

A police crackdown on violent football fans is expected after several videos from pubs in the Canary Islands showed fans brawling after England’s 0-0 draw with the USA on Friday evening.

Dozens of fans from rival teams were filmed punching and kicking each other.

“After the events that occurred this week, both security forces have coordinated their actions to prevent possible riots in the upcoming World Cup matches in Qatar in the tourist areas of Arona. In particular, the one in which the Wales and England teams will participate,” the statement added.

England vs Wales predicted line-ups: Team news ahead of World Cup fixture

04:37 , Shweta Sharma

England may make changes when they face Wales in the deciding fixture of Group B in the World Cup.

England have all but reached the last 16 and it would take a four-goal defeat to Wales for Gareth Southgate’s side to be eliminated.

They will secure top spot in Group B with a win but England must also improve after their goalless draw with the USA.

The Independent’s Jamie Braidwood has more:

Team news and predicted line-ups ahead of England vs Wales

03:49 , Shweta Sharma

Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the crucial clash between England and Wales in the World Cup tonight.