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AS IT HAPPENED

As it happened: Slovakia v England, Russia v Wales - Euro 2016

It was crunch time in Group B with England and Wales both needing points to guarantee a place in the knockout stage.

Greetings sports fans, and welcome to our live coverage of this evening’s Euro 2016 games. It’s crunch time in Group B with all four sides still harbouring hopes of qualifying for the next stage.

England just need a point to advance as group winners as Roy Hodgson’s side face Slovakia in Saint-Etienne.

For Wales, it’s simple really. Beat Russia and Chris Coleman’s side are through while a draw would be good enough as long as Slovakia don’t beat England.

Kick-off in both games is at 8pm and we’ll be following every kick of the ball.

screenshot.1466446329.58039 UEFA EURO 2016 / Twitter UEFA EURO 2016 / Twitter / Twitter

The team news is in and Roy Hodgson has made six changes for his side’s final Group B outing. Wayne Rooney is among those who drop out with Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge starting up top.

And Chris Coleman has made one change from his side which lost to England last Thursday. Sam Vokes comes in for Hal Robson-Kanu.

Russia, meanwhile, have made four changes as they look for their first win of the tournament.

Wales: Hennessey; Gunter, Chester, Williams, Davies, Taylor; Allen, Ledley, Ramsey; Bale; Vokes.

It’s a big night for Wales.

Here’s the state of play as kick-off approaches.

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The teams are lining up in the tunnel. On TV3, Graeme Souness says this team selection from Hodgson is a risk considering how poorly England have performed in their previous two games.

Over in Toulouse, the Welsh are belting out the anthem.

All eyes on Bale tonight. Can he fire Wales into the knock-out stages?

Soccer Euro 2016 Russia Wales Thanassis Stavrakis Thanassis Stavrakis

For those near a TV, England-Slovakia is live on TV3 and Russia-Wales is on RTÉ. The formalities are just about complete and we’re ready for action.

Kick-off! England in their changed strip of red shirts and shorts are playing from right to left in this first-half.

Close! Bright start from Wales in Toulouse. Bale cuts back inside onto his left foot and forced the ‘keeper into a smart stop. The rebound falls for Vokes but his effort is blocked behind. The flag was up on the far side in any case.

England dominating the early possession in Saint-Etienne. Vardy has got on the ball a couple of times and looks determined to make an impact from the outset.

Patient build-up from England as Clyne bombs down the right. The Liverpool full-back gets to the byline and crosses for Vardy, who can’t quite readjust at the near post and it flicks off his knee and over the bar.

England look far more structured in this formation with Vardy and Sturridge up top and Lallana operating in behind.

Chance! England looking dangerous. Wilshere releases Vardy with a ball over the top and although Slovakia filter back, Vardy and Lallana combine to cross for Sturridge.

The Liverpool forward got across his man but his goal-bound effort was blocked at close range.

GOAL! Russia 0-1 Wales (Ramsey)

Brilliant from Wales! Allen with a beautiful ball through for Ramsey to latch onto and the Arsenal midfielder deftly flicks it over the advancing goalkeeper.

The perfect start for Wales. That was a superb ball from Allen as he collected the loose ball in midfield. Ramsey timed his run to perfection and applied a delicious finish after bearing down on goal.

As it stand, Wales are progressing as group winners. There’s still a long way to go but it’s looking good for Chris Coleman’s men.

Save! Vardy shows all his pace to breeze past Martin Skrtel and after exploiting the space in behind, the Leicester striker is unable to force it past the goalkeeper on his weaker left foot.

Ramsey’s goal has given Wales lift off.

Soccer Euro 2016 Russia Wales Petr David Josek Petr David Josek

Efficiency.

GOAL! Russia 0-2 Wales (Taylor)

Taylor makes it two! It breaks for the full-back and after his initial effort is saved, he has the simple task of firing home from close range.

Dangerous! Slovakia spring forward for the first time and Cahill is forced to make a last-ditch intervention. At the other end, Ryan Bertrand’s set-piece is gathered by the goalkeeper.

That was Neil Taylor’s first goal in any competition since 2010 – and it’s certainly not a bad time to get it either. Wales are in the driving seat now.

Nervy moment for Wayne Hennessey as he comes off his line to catch a corner but fumbles it and needs one of his defenders to clear. Wales are sitting quite deep and even up until that second goal have been forced to defend for large periods.

Clyne really threatening down England’s right. Another incisive run from the full-back very nearly cuts Slovakia apart but they just about snuff out the danger with Vardy waiting. Still goalless in Saint-Etienne.

It should be three! Bale shows his brilliance as he weaves his way through and sets it up on a plate for Vokes. The striker’s finish is weak, however, and it allows Igor Akinfeev to stop with his legs.

It’s still there for Wales and Ramsey’s cross is headed just over by Bale at the far post. Russia are all over the place at the back as they search for a way back into the contest. The next game in this goal is absolutely crucial.

Save! England knocking on the door now – and it’s all coming down the right wing. Clyne’s pull back finds Lallana but he just can’t place it past the goalkeeper.

Ramsey has come in for a bit of criticism recently but he is proving a point tonight as he collects the ball in midfield and drives at the Russian defence. The Arsenal midfielder doesn’t need a second invitation to shoot and his crisp drive is pushed behind.

Jamie Vardy has had England’s best chance.

Slovakia v England - UEFA Euro 2016 - Group B - Stade Geoffroy Guichard Nick Potts Nick Potts

Wayne Rooney is off the bench and warming up. England have asked questions of the Slovakian defence and have certainly been more purposeful than the first half against Wales but they can’t find the breakthrough.

Gareth Bale is good. He ghosts past a couple of challenges and is suddenly one-on-one with the last defender. The Real Madrid forward shifts it onto his left foot but doesn’t get any purchase behind the shot and it’s easy for the ‘keeper.

Russia beginning to threaten as we approach half-time. They’ve been woefully abject throughout the tournament and need to find a spark, and quickly, if they are to salvage anything from this game.

Henderson lets fly from range as England pile on the pressure.

One minute of added time in Saint-Etienne. England are so uninspiring.

Half-time! Slovakia 0-0 England, Russia 0-2 Wales 

Gareth Bale has been superb for Wales and all that’s missing from his performance so far has been a goal. He’s terrified the Russian defence but it hasn’t been all about him.

Ramsey has stood up and Williams has been immense defensively again.

Right, the teams are back and ready for the second half. The rain has stopped in Saint Etienne and there are no changes for either Slovakia or England.

Back underway! With the score as it is in Toulouse, England need to up their game in this second half but Hodgson has decided to stick with the same players he originally sent out.

Wales on the front foot again and looking for a third! Bale glides over the turf and creates the opening for himself but his effort is straight at the ‘keeper.

Clyne has been England’s best player by a country mile this evening and again he picks the ball up deep and drives forward. On this occasion, he looks to go infield but is outnumbered and eventually loses possession.

Hart forced into action for the first time as he comes off his line and fists a dangerous looking free-kick away.

My lord! A cross comes in from Slovakia’s left and with no danger, Smalling looks to chest it back to Hart – but he doesn’t get enough on it and it very nearly falls for the Slovak strike to tap home from two yards out. What an almighty mess….

Chance! End to end in Saint-Etienne now. Clyne wriggles past his marker again but is thwarted from close range by Kozáčik. Weiss then tests Hart with a low drive.

Sub! Rooney is on as Wilshere trudges off.

The game has really come to life and Hodgson has thrown his captain on in an attempt to add some urgency into England’s play. The Three Lions are dominating possession, and have done for most of the game, but they really haven’t done anything with it.

Bale lines up a free-kick from more than 40 yards out. The angle is also against him and it’s not his best effort. Wales still have that two goal lead with 30 minutes remaining.

Another change for England. Dele Alli replaces Lallana and England are becoming increasingly desperate for a spark.

Off the line! What an impact that would have been. Henderson breaks from midfield and stands up a delightful ball to the back post. Alli meets it on the half-volley but it’s flicked up and over by Skrtel.

Rooney has stamped his authority on proceedings since coming on. He’s taken control of the contest in midfield and Hodgson’s decision to make those changes is looking increasingly questionable.

With 25 minutes remaining, this is how Group B looks:

screenshot.1466454242.16855 UEFA EURO 2016 / Twitter UEFA EURO 2016 / Twitter / Twitter

GOAL! Russia 0-3 Wales (Bale)

And Bale seals the win! Ramsey with an enterprising run and he flicks it through for Bale who finishes with the outside of his left foot.

What a night it has been for Wales. Their fans are in full voice now with just 20 minutes separating themselves and top spot in Group B.

Eric Dier has been outstanding for England tonight and he delivers a sublime ball across for Sturridge but he just can’t connect with it. England really pressing now.

Rooney has made a big difference but England still being held.

Slovakia v England - UEFA Euro 2016 - Group B - Stade Geoffroy Guichard Owen Humphreys Owen Humphreys

Final change for England as Harry Kane comes on for Sturridge. Last throw of the dice for Hodgson.

Not much to report from Toulouse. Wales just seeing this one out now.

The England fans, to their credit, have raised the decibel levels over the last 15 minutes and have really tried to rally behind their team. It’s still not happening on the pitch though.

It has been a memorable night for Wales.

Russia v Wales - UEFA Euro 2016 - Group B - Stadium Municipal Martin Rickett Martin Rickett

England are throwing the kitchen sink at Slovakia now and there’s suddenly an urgency about them. A crucial nine minutes coming up with a goal all but ending Slovakia’s hopes of going through. It’s tense.

Wales are enjoying this, as Gareth Bale receives a huge ovation. He makes way for Simon Church and the party is only starting in Toulouse.

England have been dominant in all three of their group games but so toothless in attack. A set piece appears to be the most likely way to goal at the minute.

Late chance for Russia but Wales won’t be breached. Dzyuba slides to meet a dangerous left-wing cross, but he hooks it over the bar with his outstretched leg.

Wales are very nearly there. Just two minutes remaining now. England don’t look like finding this breakthrough goal. Just two attempts on target all evening.

Skrtel goes down holding his groin and the Liverpool defender is milking this as we enter the 90th minute. He’s back up and we’re about to restart.

Five minutes of added time!

All hands to the pump for Slovakia. It’s all a bit last ditch but they’re holding firm.

That just about sums it up. Dele Alli has time and space but he’s leaning back and it’s high and wide.

Full-time! Russia 0-3 Wales 

Amazing scenes in Toulouse as Wales win 3-0 and there are fans in tears in the stands.

Wales have done it, they’ve qualified for the knock-out stages and it looks like they’re going to advance as group winners.

Russia v Wales - UEFA Euro 2016 - Group B - Stadium Municipal Martin Rickett Martin Rickett

Full-time! Slovakia 0-0 England 

So England have to settle for second spot in Group B. What an achievement for Wales but that was another disappointing performance from England, who just couldn’t find the breakthrough.

What an incredible job Chris Coleman has done. The players and fans have just found out they’ve topped the group. Special scenes in Toulouse.

That’s all for tonight, thanks for joining us. Full reports and reaction to come on the site throughout the evening.

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‘You do whatever you can to get the right result and if that’s fouling, then you foul’ – Keane

‘Myself and Wes have played in the League of Ireland so we’re used to bad pitches’

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