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Euro 2016: Aaron Ramsey believes Wales can exploit England's weaknesses in Group B clash

The two rivals face each other in their second group game at Euro 2016

Phil Blanche
Thursday 26 May 2016 07:15 BST
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Aaron Ramsey believes Wales can beat England at Euro 2016
Aaron Ramsey believes Wales can beat England at Euro 2016

Aaron Ramsey says Wales can exploit England's weaknesses when the two countries meet at Euro 2016.

Wales will start the Group B clash in Lens on June 16 as massive underdogs having failed to score against England since their last victory over them, a 1-0 win at Wrexham in 1984.

But Wales have a potent weapon in Gareth Bale, and the Real Madrid star will be aiming to punish an England defence which has showed signs of fragility in their last few games.

"Every team has their weaknesses so we'll be looking to exploit them," said Ramsey.

"But England have a lot of quality players, young players as well who have had fantastic seasons for their clubs.

"They are very quick, they get forward and they have players who can score goals as well.

"We'll have to be aware of that, but we believe we can exploit some of their weaknesses, score against them and hopefully keep them out."

Slovakia - Wales' first opponents in Bordeaux on June 11 - and Russia make up the group, but Ramsey admits the 'Battle of Britain' is the stand-out fixture in the section.

And the Arsenal midfielder said that he was delighted that Wales had drawn Roy Hodgson's men, the first game between the two nations since September 2011.

"I was very excited when the draw was made," said Ramsey.

"I know a few of the players were a bit down because they didn't want it, they wanted somebody else, one of the other big teams.

"But I play with a few of the England boys week in week out, so there has been a bit of banter.

"We need to focus on the first game, though.

"That is the one that is going to get us going in the right direction.

"But we have the ability to get maximum points from these games as we've beaten Belgium in the past and drawn away to them."

England's most likely route to the final - Euros 2016

Wales have injury concerns before manager Chris Coleman names his final 23-man squad for Euro 2016 on Tuesday.

Preston goalkeeper Chris Maxwell has joined the pre-Euros training camp in Portugal this week with Liverpool's Danny Ward troubled by a knee injury.

While Ward is expected to be fit for France, Joe Ledley's fitness battle is set to go right to the wire.

The Crystal Palace midfielder suffered a leg fracture on May 7, but has travelled to Portugal and done some light training away from the main group.

"It's good news that Joe has already done some training," said Ramsey.

"He would be a big miss for us, but hopefully he'll be in with a shout.

"The amount of games that he's had, and the experience he's got, makes him a vital player for us."

PA

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