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Three players to look out for in Monday's Euro 2016 fixtures

Wales' forward Gareth Bale celebrates after scoring the first goal during the Euro 2016 group B football match between Wales and Slovakia at the Stade de B
Image: Wales will look to Gareth Bale for inspiration against Russia

On Monday, Group B will conclude with table-toppers England playing Slovakia and second-place Wales taking on Russia.

Roy Hodgson's side know that victory will seal a first-place finish and a favourable last-16 draw, while Wales will be hoping to leapfrog their rivals with a win against struggling Russia.

However, with all four teams still in contention for a place in the knockouts and three out of the four sides still able to finish top, there's plenty left to play for.

Here, we look at three players who could make the difference…

Gareth Bale

LENS, FRANCE - JUNE 16:  Gareth Bale of Wales celebrates after scoring the first goal during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group B match between England and Wales at
Image: Bale scored his second free-kick of the tournament against England

Wales' star man has delivered with two goals direct from free-kicks in their opening Euro 2016 games with Slovakia and England. The first helped Chris Coleman's side record a valuable 2-1 win but the second turned out to be in vain after Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge struck back for England.

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Gareth Bale says that Wales have defended well at Euro 2016 but admits that Chris Coleman's side need to be better with the ball

That defeat means Wales need to beat Russia to guarantee a place in the knockout phase and they will once again look to their Real Madrid galactico for inspiration. Bale has averaged 4.5 shots across Wales' first two games - one of the highest rates in the tournament - and the 26-year-old can be expected to probe an ageing Russian defence throughout Monday's meeting.

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Oleg Shatov

Russia's midfielder Oleg Shatov (C) is marked by England's midfielder Eric Dier (R) during the Euro 2016 group B football match between England and Russia
Image: Oleg Shatov is one of Russia's chief creators

After a last-gasp draw with England and a surprise defeat to Slovakia, Russia are left needing to beat Wales to keep their Euro 2016 hopes alive and Shatov, one of their chief creators, will have the responsibility of forging openings.

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Joe Ledley will be available for Wales' final group game at Euro 2016 against Russia on Monday reports Geraint Hughes

The former futsal player has a trick or two up his sleeve and no Russian has made more crosses at these finals. If Wales are to shut out Russia - and their giant striker Artem Dzyuba - they'll have to keep on top of Shatov.

Daniel Sturridge

Sturridge esulta dopo il gol che vale la vittoria contro il Galles (foto Getty)
Image: Daniel Sturridge scored England's late winner against Wales

After an injury-hit season for Liverpool Daniel Sturridge appeared to have a mountain to climb to make it into Roy Hodgson's starting XI. However, with England struggling to break down Wales, Sturridge stepped off the bench and, after a superb second-half display, scored a late winner to send the Three Lions top of Group B.

Slovakia's dangermen
Slovakia's dangermen

We pick out three Slovakia players who could upset England

With England knowing victory over Slovakia will seal a first-place finish and, in theory, an easier last-16 tie, Hodgson may well amend his plans and find a spot for Sturridge in the starting line-up. With 14 goals in 28 appearances this season - despite his injury problems - the England forward has shown he can take his opportunity when it arrives. 

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