Gareth Southgate referred to Tuesday’s World Cup match between England and Wales as “a fantastic sporting rivalry.”

When asked to explain the significance of a World Cup match between England and Wales, Gareth Southgate could only chuckle.

“Essentially, they are here and we are exactly there,” gesticulated the England manager.

“It is comparable to any two countries whose borders are adjacent. There is an intense rivalry. A wonderful sporting rivalry in my opinion. No further than this. This affection may not be mutual.”

There is no significant resentment or bitterness.

Perhaps this is because England hasn’t lost to Wales since 1984, and they would need to lose by four goals on Tuesday in Qatar to be eliminated.

Wales must win to go to the round of 16 for the first time in 64 years. They must also hope that the United States and Iran play to a draw.

Rob Page, manager of Wales, stated, “We’ve fought so hard to get here.” My irritation and disappointment for the players stem from the fact that we haven’t even come close to the performance levels that took us to this World Cup. This is what disappoints me.

Friday’s 2-0 loss to Iran came in the final seconds of stoppage time, following a 1-1 draw with the United States in the opening Group B match.

Gareth Bale, a forward for Wales, said, “We’ve been working hard over the past few days to improve and correct things.”

“England is a very good squad and one of the favorites to win the tournament, so we are not fooled into thinking it would be easy.

But we’re going to be ready, we’re going to give everything we’ve got like we always do, and there’s no reason why we can’t pull off our World Cup surprise.

Especially after witnessing England thwarted by the United States in Friday night’s 0-0 stalemate.

Southgate must decide whether to play his strongest team or rotate the squad and rest talents like Harry Kane for the 2018 World Cup semifinalists to focus on what is ahead.

Southgate stated, “We must blend youth and experience, so this is always a consideration when selecting the team.”