England and Wales meet in an international friendly at Wembley Stadium this evening.
The British rivals collide in international action in the latest instalment of a rivalry that dates back to 1879. Ahead of tonight’s tie, we’ve remembered five memorable matches between England and Wales.
England vs Wales: Five memorable matches
England 5-1 Wales, November 1966
The newly-crowned world champions put on a show to thrash Wales in November 1966.
Geoff Hurst, fresh from his hat-trick in the summer’s World Cup final win over West Germany, scored twice in four first-half minutes, but Wales issued an instant response through Wyn Davies.
Hopes of a comeback were dashed when Bobby Charlton restored England’s two-goal cushion before half-time, before a Terry Hennessey own goal and Jack Charlton effort sealed an emphatic England win.
Wales 1-0 England – May 1984
Wales have beaten England just 14 times in the previous 104 fixtures between the sides, with their most recent win arriving in 1984.
In the final edition of the British Home Championship, a 20-year-old Mark Hughes marked his debut for Wales with the game’s only goal. Hughes’ header found a way past Peter Shilton to secure Wales a memorable win over their neighbours.
England 2-0 Wales – October 2004
It was two decades before the sides next met, when England hosted Wales in a World Cup qualifier at Old Trafford.
The Three Lions opened the scoring inside four minutes, when Frank Lampard’s low effort deflected past Paul Jones. Sven Goran-Eriksson’s side remained in control and added to their lead 14 minutes from time. David Beckham’s brilliant effort sealed the win, as the England captain cut inside to curl an unstoppable effort into the top corner.
Iconic Performances: Beckham’s Greece goal earns England redemption
England 2-1 Wales – June 2016
England came from behind to snatch a dramatic win when the sides met in the group stage of the 2016 European Championship.
Gareth Bale’s free-kick deceived Joe Hart to hand Wales a half-time lead, with the England goalkeeper failing to deal with the Welsh winger’s long-range effort. Roy Hodgson turned to his bench in a bid to turnaround the game and was rewarded for the bold introduction of forward talent.
Jamie Vardy bundled in an England equaliser from close range early in the second half, before Daniel Sturridge struck a stoppage-time winner. Their fortunes contrasted following this result, however, as England exited in humiliating fashion to Iceland in the last 16, while Wales reached the semi-finals.
Wales 0-3 England – November 2022
England eased to victory in the most recent meeting between the teams, as the two collided at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Marcus Rashford was the architect of the win for England, scoring twice either side of a Phil Foden header. England’s win ended Welsh hopes of progressing from the group, on their first World Cup appearance in in 64 years. The Three Lions reached the last eight before losing to France.
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