England and Wales to go head to head in Euro 2016 derby

The highly anticipated Euro 2016 Group B clash between neighbours England and Wales is set to kick off today after months of waiting, with Gareth Bale's Welsh team ready to ambush Roy Hodgson's favourites in Lens.

The British rivals arrive to the northern French city today in vastly different situations.

Despite controlling the majority of Saturday's game against Russia, a late equaliser from Vasili Berezutski and off-pitch distraction in the form of supporter violence have disrupted England's preparations for the game.

Violent clashes between English and Russian football fans clouded the build up to their match in Marseille last Saturday, and spilled over to the stadium itself at full-time. After taking the lead during the game from a well-hit Eric Dier free-kick, England will now head into the Welsh game in the Stade Felix Bollaert-Delelis behind their opponents.

Violent clashes between English and Russian football fans clouded the build up to their match in Marseille

Wales marked their first game in a major tournament since 1958 with an impressive victory over the dangerous Slovakia, inspired by a Bale free-kick in the early moments. The Real Madrid winger has stoked the fire ahead of the game, claiming that no England players would make the Wales starting eleven.

England coach Roy Hodgson has refused to respond to Bale's claims. ""Taking it seriously and thinking about what people are saying or are purported to be saying, if we let that affect us then we'd be very ashamed of ourselves," said the 68-year-old. "Talk is talk and action is action on the field."

The Three Lions squad are on the back foot in the group now following their opening draw, but a victory against Wales would set them up for qualification for the knockout stage of the competition. Hodgson was criticised in the aftermath of Saturday's encounter for not introducing in form Leicester striker Jamie Vardy, and taking off Wayne Rooney when the game was still in the balance.

"Talk is talk and action is action on the field." Roy Hodgson

Vardy may well see playing time today, and has the ability to stretch a Wales defence that although aggressive, perhaps lacks a yard of pace. Rooney is likely to remain in midfield with Harry Kane up front.

Wales will look once again to Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey to pull the strings and feed Bale and strike partner Jonny Williams.

If the Welsh can transfer their aggresive pre-match talk to the pitch and show the passion and self-confidence that have brought them to France, and if Gareth Bale can produce a piece of magic, then they may well come out on top.

Bookies' odds:
England 3/5
Wales 5/1