09 June 2022

Harry Wilson looks forward to Wales’ World Cup clash against England

09 June 2022

Harry Wilson has warned England that Wales will be no World Cup pushovers.

Wales joined England, the United States and Iran in Group B at Qatar by beating Ukraine in Sunday’s play-off final in Cardiff.

The two home nations will meet in the final round of group fixtures at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on November 29.

Wales’ group at the 2022 World Cup (PA Graphics) (PA Graphics)

It will be their first meeting since England beat Wales 2-1 at Euro 2016, although the Dragons went on to claim top spot in the group and reach the semi-finals of the competition.

“Wales against England is a massive game no matter where it is,” said Fulham midfielder Wilson.

“But with it being on the World Cup, the biggest stage, it is going to be that extra bit more.

“We will be going in there full of confidence and there is no reason why we can’t get a result against England.

World Cup opponents England and Wales last met at Euro 2016 (Joe Giddens/PA) (PA Archive)

“We would be lying if we said we hadn’t looked at the fixtures. We all have friends in the England team.

“I have a couple in the USA team as well from Fulham.

“We will be having a bit of banter about them, but once those games come around we will be against each other for 90 minutes.

“I will be doing all I can for Wales and they will be doing all their can for their country.”

We would be lying if we said we hadn’t looked at the fixtures. We all have friends in the England team

Having lost to Poland last week, Wales suffered a second Nations League defeat on Wednesday as Wout Weghorst’s stoppage-time header gave Holland a 2-1 victory in Cardiff.

It was Wales’ first home loss since November 2018, as a record-breaking run of 19 games without defeat came to an end.

Wilson said: “I think we are in a great place with the squad, we have a good mixture of youth and experience.

“Some of the boys have been there and done it at Euro 2016, and some of us younger boys were able to experience it last year with the Euros.

Wout Weghorst (right) celebrates scoring Holland’s late winner in their 2-1 Nations League victory over Wales (David Davies/PA) (PA Wire)

“We are playing good stuff. We don’t lose many games. We are disappointed with this one, that is a good trait to have.

“We are going to go to the World Cup full of confidence and ready to take on anyone.”

Wales’ next Nations League test is at home to familiar foes Belgium on Saturday.

Robert Page’s side will then complete their June programme of five games in 14 days against Holland in Rotterdam on Tuesday.

“We have played Belgium a lot in recent years,” said Wilson, 25, who became Wales’ youngest ever player at the age of 16 years and 207 days against the Red Devils in October 2013.

“They were number one in the world for a number of years and we know it is going to be difficult.

“But we will watch this game back, take the positives, and make sure we are fully focused.”

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