Few Wales players felt as frustrated as Joe Allen in the wake of their defeat by Iran - but the midfielder intends to use his “hurt” against England.
It was the popular veteran midfielder’s first appearance since injuring his hamstring in September for Swansea against Hull in the Championship. The injury plunged Allen’s participation in Wales’ historic first World Cup since 1958 into doubt.
Yet the star, 32, who has 73 caps, worked tirelessly to make sure he was fit enough to get on the plane with Rob Page’s squad to Qatar. And there he found himself in stoppage time against Iran, after coming on as substitute, closing down Rouzbeh Cheshmi desperately after his poor clearance fell invitingly for the opponent.
