Wales are chasing a historic World Cup victory on Friday, while England are looking for the three points that would secure their place in the knockout stages.
Both nations made a steady start in Qatar: Wales easily beat Iran, along with the United States and England.
And when Wales take to the field for their crucial Group B match against Iran on Friday (10:00 GMT), they know a first World Cup win in 64 years will help their promotion chances significantly. will
Group B rivals and current leaders England also want a win against the USA (19:00 GMT), which would guarantee them a place in the last 16 if they can get it.
Schools cancel classes to please Wales.
The eyes of the whole country will be on Wales’ second group game – even if they are meant to be in class.
Schools in Wales are allowed to cancel lessons to allow pupils to watch Robert Page take on Iran, with more than 1,000 schools expected to take part in “Cymru Football Friday”.
Instead of being in maths classes, kids across the country will be hoping to see Gareth Bale overtake team-mate Chris Gunter as Wales’ most capped man in their Group B decider. May be a match.
With a point on the board, and England as their final group opponents, Wales know victory will be vital if they are to reach the knockout stages.
Captain Bale, who has 109 caps for Wales, said it was an “honour” to represent them as they reach a milestone.
“But it is more important that we try and win,” he added. “Hopefully we can and it will make it even more special.
“It will be a tough game against Iran – they are a very good team. They are here for a reason, but of course we believe we can beat them.”
Can England work soon?
So much from England?
That’s what many supporters will be hoping for after Gareth Southgate’s strong start to the men’s tournament saw them beat Iran 6-2 in their opener.
The USA are up next and England have been boosted after it was revealed that captain Harry Kane will be fit to play despite injury fears, including a scan on his ankle.
As the only team in Group B to pick up three points so far, England know a second win on Friday will see them progress with a game to spare.
But is there more at stake? Southgate said on Thursday that it had been a good period for English football and that the nation was “regaining its dignity” on the football stage.
“There’s a lot of positive things happening at the junior level, at the senior level, with our women’s team,” she added.
“We feel we can be competitive for many years to come and that’s the goal – to be a consistent challenge in the later stages of major competitions and we haven’t done that for years and years.
“These athletes are putting the country on the map and regaining their respect on the world stage – we need to keep doing it.”
