Chantilly: England face the twin threats of a disqualification warning if their fans misbehave and a super-motivated Gareth Bale ahead of their Euro 2016 showdown with neighbours Wales in Lens on Thursday.
The bloody clashes between rival fans that marred England’s opening 1-1 draw with Russia in Marseille at the weekend left Roy Hodgson’s side facing the threat of elimination from European governing body Uefa.
England midfielder Adam Lallana said that such an outcome would be “devastating” and Hodgson and team captain Wayne Rooney have released a video message pleading for calm.
But with England and Wales fans having been advised to base themselves in nearby Lille, where Russia play Slovakia on Wednesday, the build-up to the game will be wreathed with tension.
Police numbers will be boosted in Lens, an industrial city in northern France, with 2,400 security personnel on the streets. Extra officers are being deployed from Britain to provide support, while a ban on alcohol sales has been announced and all local schools will be closed.
The Football Association and Football Association of Wales have both urged fans without tickets not to attend, but despite Lens’s Stade Bollaert-Delelis holding only 35,000 fans, between 40,000 and 50,000 British supporters are expected to descend on the city.
England’s players witnessed the violence firsthand on Saturday when Russia’s fans charged their English counterparts at the final whistle, but they are doing their best to deflect attention from the issue.
Of equal concern to Hodgson will be the danger posed by Real Madrid forward Bale, whose stunning 25-yard free-kick against Slovakia set up Wales’ 2-1 win.
Northern Ireland battle for survival
In Lyon, Northern Ireland face Ukraine with both sides needing a win to keep their knockout stage dreams alive while the Irish are mourning the death of a young fan.
Having seen their 12-match unbeaten run ended by Poland, Northern Ireland defender Jonny Evans says his side must be bold against Ukraine. “To give ourselves the best chance we are going to have to go out and win. It makes it exciting because Ukraine are in the same position,” the defender said.
