Former Wales international Robbie Savage believes Brennan Johnson should get the nod ahead of the crunch World Cup clash with England this evening (7pm).
Johnson has been limited to regular game time under Wales boss Rob Page, having come on as a substitute in the last two games. The last fixture saw Wales fall to a 2-0 defeat against Iran, as Reds goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was sent off with four minutes of regular time to go.
As Gareth Southgate's England look to advance to the last-16 of the tournament, a win will be vital to maintain their hopes of attaining silverware alive. While Wales face a much difficult task, having drawn one and lost another.
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest sent 'disappointing' message as Steve Cooper transfer decision emerges
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest confusion cleared up after cup draw chaos
Looking ahead to the game, Savage wrote in his Mirror column: "Let's get real: Wales need a miracle to go through. [But] any sort of win, or at least a much-improved performance, would be a major confidence boost for Rob Page and his players after the crushing disappointment of ghat defeat by Iran.
"To live with England, Page may have to decide whether to go with youthful energy or experience. Can you play Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen in the same starting XI? Five or six years ago, absolutely – but this is 2022, not 2016.
"My preference would be to start with Dan James and Brennan Johnson’s mobility to get Wales up the pitch and stretch England’s back line if possible.
"And although Bale was far from his best against Iran, he has to start. If you need a set piece, a penalty or a piece of magic to tip the game your way, Bale is still likeliest to deliver when it matters or pull a rabbit from the hat."
Should Johnson start vs England? Let us know in the comments section...
READ NEXT:
