Precious
Gareth Southgate will be able to call upon a secret weapon ahead of England’s crucial World Cup clash against Wales.
The Three Lions take on Robert Page’s side this evening, with their place in the last-16 of the tournament not yet confirmed Victory for England will guarantee their progression and ensure their spot at the top of Group B, while a draw would also see them through.
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However, defeat by four or more goals, coupled with three points for USA or Iran, would see England finish third and exit the tournament at the first hurdle for the first time since 2014 in Brazil.
That scenario is extremely unlikely, and their cause will be helped against Wales by the presence of goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson in Southgate’s backroom staff.
Margetson isn’t a particularly well-known member of Southgate’s coaching team, but he could prove the Three Lions’ secret weapon against Wales.
The 51-year-old is, in fact, a Welshman who has spent time with the Welsh national team, as well as Cardiff City and Swansea
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Margetson worked with Wales from 2011 until 2016, during which time he would have helped Leicester City stopper Danny Ward; the man who will likely be between the sticks against England.
Ward came on against Iran after first-choice Wayne Hennessey was shown a straight red card for a high boot. Although Margetson left Wales to join England in August 2016, he would have had several months working with Ward after he won his first cap in March 2016.
Margetson will also have worked with a number of other key Wales players, including Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, which could give England the edge in the all important final group game.
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Southgate could make changes for the clash after Friday’s disappointing 0-0 draw against the USA. Former Three Lions star Wayne Rooney has suggested the England boss should include Phil Foden in his next starting XI.
WRITING IN THE TIMES, ROONEY SAID:
“I think if you have a talent like Foden, you simply have to play him. He is now a different player from the one we saw at Euro 2020, when he struggled to make an impact. He is more mature and came into this tournament on the back of a long period of brilliant performances for Manchester City. He has the form to go with the ability.
“If I were him, I would be very frustrated that I didn’t get on the pitch at any stage of Friday’s game.”
