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Wales ready for 'Battle of Britain' clash with England, says Chris Coleman

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Wales manager Chris Coleman has urged his players to focus on beating England on the pitch, rather than talking about them off it

Chris Coleman says Wales are ready to "take care of business" when they face England in Thursday's 'Battle of Britian' in Lens.

Wales defeated Slovakia 2-1 in Bordeaux on Saturday in their opening Group B match and they will book their place in the last-16 if they claim victory over England at the Stade Felix Bollaert-Delelis. 

The Welsh are competing at their first major tournament since the 1958 World Cup and Coleman insists his side are looking to create history in France.  

"I said before the tournament, everybody looked at this game. It was against England, the Battle of Britain, blah, blah, blah. But it's only another game for us," Coleman said.

England v Wales preview
England v Wales preview

England and Wales will meet on Thursday afternoon in Lens…

"The big thing for us is getting through, it wasn't about beating England and not getting through. It was not like that for me, not for us, not for the players. 

"We are here at this tournament and we've got a chance to do something special. We are in a good position. England are next in our way and we have to make sure we take care of business. 

"We can be confident, but it's not the time for us to think that we are something that we are not. That's for sure. 

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BORDEAUX, FRANCE - JUNE 11: Wales player Gareth Bale (R) of Wales celebrates his team's second goal scored by Hal Robson-Kanu (C) as Joe Ledley (l) looks o
Image: Gareth Bale (R) celebrates Wales' 2-1 opening day victory over Slovakia

"We know what we are about and we know how to perform if we are to be successful. That's what we have been focused on since the Slovakia game."

Coleman also insisted his side are eager to keep their destiny in their own hands and said they cannot rest on their laurels following their opening day win over Slovakia. 

"We're not looking for anyone to do us any favours. If we get through, we're going to get through on our own accord," he added. 

Combined England v Wales XI
Combined England v Wales XI

Nigel Winterburn and Mario Melchiot picked their combined England v Wales XI…

"Winning the first game puts you in a very strong position, but it doesn't guarantee you anything.

"If you lose the first one, all is not lost, Slovakia have proved that. They lost their first game to us and have won the second one, so they are in a good position themselves. 

"It's three games and whatever way you look at it, you've got to look after your own business and that's how we see it."

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