Britain will come to a standstill tonight as millions of fans tune in to England’s historic World Cup clash with Wales.
The fierce rivals meet for the first-ever home nations game at the tournament.
More than 8,000 England fans will be at the match in Qatar and four million more will pack the pubs to cheer on their heroes.
England boss Gareth Southgate said: “We’ve got to match all of the spirit and energy our opponents will have.”
Southgate: England will match Wales’ spirit
Southgate said England will match Wales’ fiery spirit and intensity in the first Battle of Britain at a World Cup tonight.
And Jack Grealish insisted the Three Lions have the best frontline as they aim to reach the last 16 in the do-or-die clash at 7pm.
The match is to give a £270million boost to the UK economy as four million fans watch the game in pubs.
Southgate and vice-captain Jordan Henderson heard Wales’ Kiefer Moore “would love” to knock England out.
The England boss said: “We have got to match all of the spirit and energy our opponents will have.”
Henderson, 32, added: “We will do our talking on the pitch.”
All four teams in Group B can still make the next round.
England are in the strongest position with four points and will advance if they avoid a four-goal defeat by Wales. A win would ensure No1 spot but they can still draw and finish top unless Iran beat the USA, or the Americans win by at least four goals.
Grealish, 27, who scored in the 6-2 win over Iran, played down criticism of the team selection following the goalless draw with the USA on Friday.
He said: “I am not going say we have the best attack in the tournament but we are up there.”
The forward line includes stars such as Bukayo Saka, 21, Raheem Sterling, 27, and skipper Harry Kane.
Kane, 29, told his side to “ignore the noise” while skipper Gareth Bale said Wales will give their all to win.
Meanwhile, Gary Lineker denied claims by Qatar’s Hassan Al-Thawadi that he refused to “engage” with the hosts to discuss human rights issues before the World Cup. He criticised the BBC star for failing to provide a “balanced view” of the country.
Stuart Andrew, the UK’s first openly gay Sports Minister, will wear the OneLove armband at the game, saying: “I’m not going to shy away from who I am.”
Around 8,000 England fans are due at the match and Wales will have 6,000 in the 45,032-capacity Ahmad Bin Ali stadium, 20km west of Doha.
Free Lions, the Football Supporters’ Association, believe beer prices will fall in Doha after some bars overestimated “what they can get away with”.
The World Cup Spending Report by VoucherCodes.co.uk found fans will have spent £50m on TVs and electricals, £27m on sportswear and £7.6m on items including souvenirs.
Wales roar ahead of England showdown - "We can still do this"
Wales roared a defiant war cry last night, insisting: “We can still do this.”
Manager Rob Page described tonight’s must-win match against England – dubbed the Battle of Britain – as having “added spice” .
Pledging his team would bring surprises, captain Gareth Bale said: “There have been a few shocks in the World Cup and there’s no reason why we can’t do the same.”
And ex-Wales player Dean Saunders, visiting the training ground, said: “Of course it’s possible – you never know in football. Anything can happen.”
Players have been firing themselves up by rewatching a rallying cry delivered by actor and fan Michael Sheen.
In a rousing speech, the Damned United star says: “When the English come knocking on our door, let’s give them some sugar, boys, let’s give them some Welsh sugar.
“They’ve always said we are too small, we are too slow, we are too weak, too full of fear. But, you sons of [Gary] Speed, they fall around us. We are still here!”
Bale urged passionate Red Wall fans to keep the faith and inspire the team to its greatest ever victory.
He said: “We need to stick together. We will give everything we can to win.”
The manager, who refused to say if tonight would be his last international game, said Wales were “devastated” and “heartbroken” after being beaten 2-0 by Iran on Friday.
He added: “No-one can ever question our commitment.”
To be sure to qualify, Wales must beat England by four or more goals.
Page said: “We have to give a performance our supporters are proud of. We want to give everything to the cause. I will pick a team that will try and beat England. The Red Wall is as frustrated as I am.”
Wales can also progress by beating England by any score – but only if Iran and USA draw in their Group B game.
There are expected to be 8,000 Wales supporters at the Ahmad Bin Ali stadium in Al Rayyan this evening.
Train drivers Mike Gronow and Chris Thomas left wives Maxine and Sara at home for their £10,000 once-in-a-lifetime trip to see their team play in its first World Cup since 1958.
Mike, 49, from Cardiff, said: “We are clinging to the dream, but we know in all honesty the only way we can beat England is if England do what they do sometimes and beat themselves – which to be fair they can be quite good at. That’s the hope.”
Chris, 53, of Maesteg, added: “Southgate can be quite cautious and has cost them games by not being bold enough. He is our secret weapon.”
