Euro 2016

[monks data]

European Championship | Group Stage

Jun 11, 2016 at 5pm UK

Wales
2-1
Slovakia Slovakia

Bale (10'), Robson-Kanu (81')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Duda (61')

Chris Coleman hints at Joe Allen start in Euro 2016 opener

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 07 June 2016

Wales manager Chris Coleman hints that Joe Allen will start his side's Euro 2016 opener against Slovakia, but also admits that Joe Ledley is likely to be on the bench.

Wales manager Chris Coleman has hinted that Joe Allen will start in his side's opening match of Euro 2016 against Slovakia on June 11.

Allen is one of three fitness doubts for Wales heading into their first game at a major international tournament for 58 years, with question marks also over Hal Robson-Kanu and Joe Ledley.

The trio would be expected to start in a first-choice Wales XI, but Coleman admitted that it would be "reckless" to do so against Slovakia, with Ledley, who suffered a broken leg just one month ago, most likely to miss out.

"We can't start with all three, it would be reckless really. They have done really well, but we don't have to do that," Coleman told reporters.

"Joe Ledley has done so well to get back to where he is, but I think it is fair to say you can't really see him playing 90. But can he play a part? Yes. He is integrated with the rest of the team and done what the rest have done in training.

"Between now and the end of the season Joe [Allen] has had more football, albeit on the training pitch. He played a small part in the final. You would have to say Joe is further down the line in terms of being ready to start a game. And he is integral to how we want to play. He plays in that pivot role for us."

Wales will also take on England and Russia at Euro 2016.