Wales have identified Wayne Rooney as England’s weak link in Thursday's vital Euro 2016 encounter.
Rooney
is set to start in his newly-assumed central midfield role in Lens — a
clash that will have a key bearing on who qualifies out of Group B.
But Wales manager Chris Coleman is hatching a plan to stifle the England captain at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
The
Manchester United star impressed against Russia on Saturday, and his
role could be extended to taking the odd corner — although it is thought
Harry Kane is prepared to take the majority of set-pieces once again.
Coleman,
however, believes Rooney was given too much respect by the Russians to
dictate the pace of the game and the Wales boss has ordered his team not
to fall into the same trap, calling on them to press Rooney when he’s
in possession.
Coleman
is understood to be considering handing Crystal Palace midfielder Joe
Ledley, who was on the bench against Slovakia, a start in his mission to
pressure the England captain.
Ledley
is known for his work-rate and defensive qualities and Coleman believes
he could be the key to minimising Rooney’s impact.
Ledley has
revealed he thought his Euro 2016 ambitions were over when he received
the diagnosis of a fractured fibula five weeks ago.
The
Crystal Palace said: ‘When I had the X-ray I thought that was game
over. It was hard to get my head around it. Of course you shed a tear
because I’ve worked my socks off.’
Wales
will also apply pressure to Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana on
Thursday after the pair impressed during the first half of last
Saturday’s draw with Russia.
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