Incredible players: Allen defends Bale and Ramsey from World Cup criticism | wales

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Joe Allen has defended Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey amid criticism that the Wales pair have failed to deliver at the World Cup.

Bale and Ramsey have led Waless Golden Generation to dizzy heights over the past decade. Wales have reached a first World Cup for 64 years on the back of qualification for two European Championships, the first of which, Euro 2016, saw them exceed all expectations by reaching the semi-finals.

But Bale, 33, and Ramsey, 31, have struggled to make an impact at Qatar 2022 and Wales are on the verge of a swift World Cup exit. Theyre two incredible players, they are and they have been for our country, Allen said ahead of Tuesdays final group game against England in Doha. I dont think theres anyone else in the squad whos reached the heights theyre capable of.

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Its a huge game coming up, theyre big-game players and always have been. Hopefully, if any criticism has come their way then they’ll be able to answer a few of those critics with a top performance.

Wales are clinging on to slim hopes of making the last 16 after picking up only one point from games against the USA and Iran. Fridays 2-0 defeat to the latter has left them needing to beat England, something they have not done for 38 years, and hope for a favorable result when Iran takes on the USA. Any other result than a draw in that game would lead to Waless elimination, unless they were to beat England by a four-goal margin.

Allen said: It [qualification] is not impossible, no. Its a tough task. Its always uncomfortable when its not in your hands and youre relying on certain things to unfold. But while theres still a chance its really simple for us. Were fully motivated, fully incentivized into throwing absolutely everything into getting the win. Then, who knows? Hopefully, there’s a chance we can still get out of this group.

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Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Joe Allen kneels on the turf after Roozbeh Cheshmis goal against Wales. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA

Allen, who re-signed for boyhood club Swansea in the summer, returned from two months out with a hamstring injury to come on as a substitute against Iran and win his 73rd cap. He said: Ive mixed feelings in terms of the pride of playing for my country in a World Cup, but a very disappointing performance and result. Im good to go [against England].

Its not been a fair reflection of what were capable of. Thats been a real disappointment because we can offer so much more, and we will certainly have to do that in the next game.

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