Euro 2016: Wales manager Chris Coleman expects ‘physical, British derby’ against Northern Ireland

Wales manager Chris Coleman at a new conference in Dinard France on June 22, 2016. Stu Forster / Getty Images

Wales must be ready for a physical contest against Northern Ireland in tomorrow’s Euro 2016 last-16 clash, their manager coach Chris Coleman said.

Wales, who topped Group B after their 2-0 win over Slovakia on Saturday, will play their second all-British game of the tournament in Paris after they lost 2-1 to England in their group.

Despite losing 1-0 to Germany on Tuesday, Northern Ireland, who finished third in Group C on three points, were assured of being among the best four third-placed teams.

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“We can learn from the game against England, being a British derby. It will be a great game, good teams who have done well, very well to get as far as they have and it will be whoever gets it right on the day,” Coleman told reporters in France.

“Northern Ireland are physical. They get the ball forward quicker. That’s where their strength is.

“They are superbly organised and defensively so difficult to break down.

“They are excellent from set plays.”

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