England are just as passionate as Wales for Euro 2016 clash, says Nick Collins
Wednesday 15 June 2016 14:25, UK
England are just as passionate as Wales for the Euro 2016 clash but need to keep their concentration, says Sky Sports reporter Nick Collins.
Collins will be covering his 265th England game in Lens on Thursday, and it will be the first meeting of the two British nations at a major tournament.
Leading up to the much-anticipated clash, there has been plenty of comment from both camps, and star man Gareth Bale saying that Wales have more 'passion and pride' than their English counter-parts.
But Collins doesn't believe this is the case, and Roy Hodgson's men will be just as fired up for the contest.
"We've heard plenty from Wales in the build-up to this game about being even more passionate about this game than England. Don't you believe it for a moment," Collins told Andy Burton on the Euro 2016 Podcast.
"The England lads would have smiled wryly when they heard those sorts of comments, because this means every bit as much to them and it's classic underdog taking on the favourites.
"In whatever context, the team that feels like it is the underdogs really wants to get on the front foot in terms of getting those comment out there in the build-up to the game.
"I don't blame the Wales guys for suggesting there's maybe more of a togetherness and they want it more but no, the appetite among the England players will be every bit as strong as Wales. This is a game where a lot of friendships get put on hold for the 90 minutes because both teams will know each other very well.
"It's fascinating and it's never happened before, this England v Wales clash at a major tournament so it's an absolutely fantastic occasion but England will be pumped up as much as Wales."
Chris Coleman's side won their opening fixture against Slovakia on Saturday to see them lead the group heading into the second round of fixtures.
England are joint second behind their fellow Brits after a late 1-1 draw with Russia in Marseille, and arguably need three points against the Welsh to maintain their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
Indeed, Collins believes that England can be victorious in Lens, but they need to concentrate on seeing out the game and not making any more late mistakes.
"You could argue that it means Wales don't have to go gung-ho against England because a point would give them four from two and that's still two ahead of England.
"You'd have to say that has to be enough for at least third place, probably even second place to be honest. Maybe it will free them up to go for it a bit more. I know England are going to really have to concentrate on ensuring that this time they do finish it off and if they get ahead, there can be no equaliser this time around.
"If it is a draw, and we go to the last set of games, with Wales on four and England on two, then it could become nerve wracking.
"There is still that little margin for England and as long as they perform like they did against Russia for long periods, make sure that there is no last minute slip up and make sure you take your chances as well - all obvious things to say - then man for man, I do believe they are better than Wales and should go on and win it."
