'We expect big things': Gareth Southgate previews England World Cup clash against Wales

While footballers are focussing on their performance on the pitch, the politics of this world cup off the pitch continue. ITV News' Chloe Keedy reports

Gareth Southgate said he "expects big things" ahead of England's final World Cup group-stage fixture against Wales.

The Three Lions boss insisted he will "pick the team that can win the game", shaking off criticism of his team selections in the tournament thus far.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference he said he is anticipating a "cracking atmosphere" when the two home nations clash at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Tuesday.

He said: "Our fans will be with us for sure there's no question about that. So, I think they know the journey this team has been on over the last two tournaments in particular.

"We're top of the group at the moment. [There is] still a bit to do to qualify but as I said earlier if we can win this game then we can win the group and that was the first objective when we set out at the start of the tournament."

Prior to the game, fans of both teams have gathered in Qatar with both still retaining hope of qualifying for the knockout stages.

'We know there'll be a lot of supporters of both countries there. It's going to be a cracking atmosphere'

Both camps have different feelings towards the game, with England facing almost a guaranteed spot in the next round.

However, Wales need to secure an against-the-odds victory to even have a chance of making it through to the round of 16 stage.

Former England player Wayne Bridge told ITV News: "There's a lot of negativity around the England camp but [with] four points we're basically through unless we lose four or five nil, and I just want the England fans to get behind England to be honest. We're in a really good position."

He said he didn't think England would have an easy game but he felt "fine" about his team's prospects.

Meanwhile, former Wales striker Ian Rush predicted the Dragons would win 2-1.

Former England player Wayne Bridge told ITV News he felt England was in a 'really good position' ahead of their game against Wales

He added his team should start with star players Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, but bring on their younger players as the game progresses.

England vs Wales kicks off at 7pm UK time on Tuesday, with the other group game of Iran vs USA happening at the same time.

Wales have not beaten England since May 1984 when the debut-making Mark Hughes sealed a 1-0 win in the British Home Championship.

England have won the last six encounters, with their last competitive victory being a last-gasp 2-1 success at Euro 2016.

No team in group B has qualified for the knockouts yet, but England are in first place with four points.

Ian Rush and Wayne Bridge give their match predictions for England vs Wales

All England needs to do is not lose by more than four goals and they will qualify. In the 203 games played between the two sides, Wales has never managed to defeat England by that margin.

Wales go into the game knowing they must win by a four goal margin to stand any chance of qualification for the knockouts.

But even if they do the Dragons will need Iran vs USA to also end in a draw.

Whoever tops group B will face the runner-up of group A, which will be one of Ecuador, Netherlands or Senegal in the round of 16 stage, depending on how Monday's games go. Host nation Qatar have already been eliminated.

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