Wales Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey Fit to Face England on Thursday

Published on: 12 June 2016

"?Wales' first-choice goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey is expected to be fit for Chris Coleman's side's crunch Group B clash with England on Thursday, as per "?The Telegraph


Liverpool youngster Danny Ward ably deputised in Wales' 2-1 win over Slovakia in Bordeaux on Saturday, but Coleman will be pleased to restore the Crystal Palace 'keeper to his line-up ahead of a match that will really shape the complexion of the group.

A back spasm kept the 29-year-old on the sidelines for his side's opening victory, but a pain-killing injection has put the goalkeeper back in contention to face Roy Hodgson's men. 


"I had one spasm and missed the Liverpool game at home for Crystal Palace," Hennessey said. 


"I had an exactly similar one [before the game on Saturday]. I'll have an injection now and I will probably be back in 24 hours, which sounds crazy. 


It is a quick turnaround, you go from broke to mended in about 24 hours."

England's last-gasp 1-1 draw with Russia means that Wales have a real chance to dent their local rivals' hopes of Euro 2016 progression on Thursday, which only serves to add extra spice to a game that had already been among the most hotly-anticipated in the group stage.


Gareth Bale's recent claim that his side boast a superior level of "?"pride and passion" to their English counterparts has brought a reaction from Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson, who has said his side "?"know what we are".

'Are you sure Gareth?'

Roy Hodgson questions Bale's passion comments.https://t.co/Ws8UdSD3ZG pic.twitter.com/iAtv2TM3XE

Hodgson, who saw his substitutions called into question as England failed to kill off a blunt Russia side and paid the price when Vasili Berezutski equalised deep into stoppage time on Saturday night in Marseille has said he has no doubts about his side's "patriotism and desire." 


Such forthright comments from a usually reserved manager only serve to indicate the magnitude of Thursday's match in Lens, with the winner all but assured of a place in the last 16.

1 - Wales has become the 1st British team to win their EURO opening game. England (8 times) and Scotland (2) always failed. Epic. #WALSVK


"?"?

Comments