World Cup results needed for both England and Wales to qualify

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England and Wales go to battle this evening in an all-British clash for a place in the knockout phase of the World Cup, but there is a scenario both sides could go through at the expense of Iran and the USA. It’s still all to play for in Group B heading into the final round of group fixtures.

England followed up the 6-2 thrashing of Iran with a disappointing 0-0 draw against the USA while Wales suffered a humiliating defeat to the Persian state last time out. Gareth Southgate is set to change things around after sticking with the same starting line-up for the opening two group games.

And he’ll be far more relaxed than his opposite number with England’s place in the last 16 all-but secured. The only way England can’t go through is if Wales pull off a huge upset and win by four goals and either Iran or USA win in their match.

For Wales, only a win will be good enough to give them a chance of qualifying for the next round. The simplest way for Wales to pull off the impossible task would be to beat England by any scoreline with both Iran and the USA drawing.

That would leave England, Wales and Iran on four points each, but the Middle Eastern country would be knocked out on goal difference. But even a win for Wales may not be enough to qualify for the next round if either Iran or the USA clinch all three points in their tie.

Finishing top of the group may also be crucial for England as it would prevent them facing off against the Netherlands in the last-16. The Dutch side beat Qatar 2-0 to top their group with Senegal winning 2-1 against Ecuador to take second.

Jordan Henderson is expected to start for England against Wales, but Southgate insists he won’t be making many changes for the sake of “giving caps out”. “That’s always a challenge and we [do] have 26 players,” Southgate said.

“But we are at a major tournament, it’s not about giving caps out. We want to go as far as we possibly can. Players support each other and some will be disappointed if they’re not playing.

“In other camps throughout the year, we try to give people game time where we can, but when you’re in a World Cup, you can’t be thinking in that way unless you’ve already qualified and have a game with a different approach. We are fortunate we have many professionals who get on with that. I’ve done that myself by going to a tournament without many minutes at all.

“The [back-up] job is to train well, support the guys and be ready for your moment when it comes. That’s been part of our story in the previous two tournaments when the squad have been ready and supported themselves throughout.”

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