England v Wales: Revisiting Five Classic Clashes Between the Old Rivals
A Century-Long Rivalry Rekindled at Wembley
When England and Wales meet at Wembley for the 105th time on Thursday night, it won’t just be another friendly — it’ll be another chapter in one of football’s oldest and most emotional rivalries.
The two nations have been facing off since 1879, when England won the very first encounter 2–1. Since then, England have dominated the fixture with 69 victories to Wales’ 14, alongside 21 draws. But those bare numbers don’t tell the full story. This rivalry has produced moments of brilliance, heartbreak, and the occasional shock that lives long in memory.
From World Cup heartbreak to Euro drama and even old Home Championship surprises, here’s a look back at five classic England v Wales matches that helped define this historic British rivalry.
Wales 0–3 England — November 2022 (World Cup, Qatar)
The most recent clash between the sides came on the world’s biggest stage — the 2022 World Cup in Qatar — and ended in decisive fashion. England’s Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden produced a performance full of flair and clinical finishing to knock Wales out of the tournament and secure top spot in Group B.
Rashford opened the scoring with a stunning free-kick shortly after half-time, curling the ball past Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward. Within minutes, Foden added a second after pouncing on a loose ball, and Rashford sealed the win by smashing the ball through Ward’s legs for his second of the night.
For England, it was a statement victory in their World Cup campaign. For Wales, it marked a disappointing end to their first World Cup since 1958 — one point from three games and an early flight home.
England would go on to lose to eventual champions France in the quarter-finals, but that night in Qatar was a reminder of how ruthless they can be when everything clicks.
England 2–1 Wales — June 2016 (Euro 2016, Lens)
If the 2022 meeting was one-sided, this one was pure drama. England and Wales met for the first time in a major tournament at Euro 2016, and it delivered a rollercoaster 90 minutes that no fan has forgotten.
Wales took a shock lead just before half-time when Gareth Bale’s long-range free-kick slipped through the hands of Joe Hart. For a moment, it looked as if Wales were about to record one of their greatest ever victories — but England’s substitutes had other ideas.
First, Jamie Vardy scrambled in an equaliser from close range early in the second half. Then, deep into stoppage time, Daniel Sturridge wriggled through the Welsh defence to squeeze a shot past Wayne Hennessey at the near post, sparking wild celebrations among the England fans.
The 2–1 win was the high point of a tournament that ended in embarrassment for England after their shock elimination to Iceland. Wales, on the other hand, went on a remarkable run — beating Belgium in the quarter-finals and reaching the semi-finals, where they eventually lost to Portugal.
England 2–0 Wales — October 2004 (World Cup Qualifier, Old Trafford)
England’s Nicky Butt chases Wales’ Craig Bellamy
After more than two decades without meeting, England and Wales renewed their rivalry in a World Cup qualifier at Old Trafford. England wasted no time asserting themselves, taking the lead inside five minutes when Frank Lampard’s shot deflected in off Michael Owen.
The home crowd barely had time to catch their breath before David Beckham sealed the win with a trademark curling effort into the top corner.
England went on to qualify for the 2006 World Cup as group winners, although their journey ended in familiar fashion — a quarter-final exit on penalties to Portugal. Wales, meanwhile, finished second-bottom in the group and lost the reverse fixture 1–0 when England visited Cardiff a year later.
It wasn’t the most competitive of their meetings, but it marked the renewal of a rivalry that had been dormant for a generation — and reminded both nations just how much these games still mean.
Wales 1–0 England — May 1984 (Home Championship, Wrexham)
Wales striker Mark Hughes
Sometimes, a single moment can make a career. For a young Mark Hughes, this was that moment.
When the final whistle blew, jubilant Welsh fans stormed the pitch to celebrate what felt like more than just a win — it was a symbolic victory over their neighbours and football superiors. The match also turned out to be the final edition of the British Home Championship, making Hughes’ goal a fittingly dramatic finale to a historic competition.
Wales 4–1 England — May 1980 (Home Championship, Wrexham)
If one match summed up the unpredictable nature of this rivalry, it was this one. England arrived in Wrexham full of confidence after beating Argentina — a side featuring Diego Maradona — just days earlier. They hadn’t lost to Wales in 25 years, and few expected that run to end.
When Paul Mariner gave England an early lead from a corner, it looked like business as usual. But Wales had other ideas.
Local hero Mickey Thomas levelled the score with a crisp half-volley that sent the home fans into raptures. Ian Walsh then made it 2–1 before half-time, and Leighton James bundled in a third after the break.
England’s misery was complete when Phil Thompson turned a low cross into his own net to make it 4–1 — Wales’ biggest win over their old rivals in a generation.
For the Welsh supporters basking in the sunshine that day, it was more than just a football match. It was a moment of pride, proof that passion and belief could conquer reputation and history.
A Rivalry That Never Gets Old
From Qatar to Wrexham, this rivalry has spanned centuries, continents, and competitions. Whether it’s Bale curling in a free-kick, Rashford smashing in a rocket, or Mark Hughes rising to head home a debut goal, England v Wales has always delivered something memorable.
When the two teams step onto the Wembley pitch again this week, the stakes might be lower than in tournaments past — but make no mistake, there’s no such thing as a “friendly” between these two.
Because for England and Wales, every meeting is more than a game. It’s history revisited.
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