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Wales’ first-choice goalkeeper Hennessey hopeful of being fit to face England

Tuesday, June 14, 2016 Source: squawka.com

Wales‘ first-choice goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey is hopeful of being fit to face England on Thursday after missing their opening win against Slovakia on Saturday afternoon through injury.

Hennessey, who lost the FA Cup final to Manchester United last month, missed the 2-1 victory over Slovakia on Saturday afternoon because of a back spasm.

Liverpool youngster Danny Ward made his first start for his country in Hennessey’s absence and did quite well against tough opposition.

However, the Crystal Palace goalkeeper will aim to make his return for the Welsh by having injections to make sure he feels fine to play against England.

''It is one of those things where you go from broke to mended in about 24 hours,” the goalkeeper said.”It is one of those things where you go from broke to mended in about 24 hours,” the goalkeeper said, via BBC Sport.

''I had one and missed the Liverpool game at home for Crystal Palace. So I’ll have an injection now and I will probably be back in 24 hours, which sounds crazy.

''It was an unsettling time for myself, but our motto is ‘Together Stronger’ and it is all about the boys.”

Gareth Bale gave Wales the lead against Slovakia with a wonderful free-kick but their Group B opponents equalised through Ondrej Duda. Chris Coleman’s side fought to go ahead once again though as substitute Hal Robson-Kanu popped up inside the penalty area to scuff a shot into the bottom corner.

England – who drew 1-1 with Russia a few hours after Wales won on Saturday – await the Welsh in Lens on Thursday and a win for Group B’s leaders would almost certainly put them into the knockout rounds, especially if Slovakia can only manage a draw against Russia.

Wales are likely to play the same outfield players that played at the weekend, though Joe Ledley may be brought into midfield after coming on as a substitute against Slovakia.

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