England’s Futsal team take on Wales in what promises to be an enthralling encounter in Cardiff on Sunday.
It will be the third meeting between the two nations on the Futsal pitch, following a 1-0 win for England in Hereford last year whilst an England development team beat the Welsh by 8-6 in April 2012.
And Three Lions captain Luke Ballinger is expecting an open game at the Cardiff City House Of Sport, following a defensive display from the Welsh last time out.
Wales v England
Futsal International Match
4.15pm, Sunday 23 March
Cardiff City House Of Sport
"I think the game may be a little more open this time around, as Wales are at home and will want to get their first international win and would love it if it was against us," said the University Of Bath striker.
"Last year's game wasn't a very enjoyable one for both players and supporters, as I felt Wales came with a defensive game plan to keep [the game] as tight as possible.
"But I am not saying that this is wrong, as we have done that many times in the past as it was part of our development."
Ballinger’s opposite number for the game is a player he knows well too, with Wales skipper Sion Kitson also playing his club Futsal in Bath.
And Kitson also believes this clash will offer the fans an eye-catching match given Wales’ improvement since the last game.
"Last year was very tight and neither team gave an inch," admitted Kitson.
"I think a year on and the fact we have got that first international between the two countries out of the way may allow this game to be a little bit more expansive.
Sion Kitson in action for Wales
"Of course it will be a tough match but our game has developed a fair amount in 12 months and we plan to put this into practice.
"Wales and England do have a passionate rivalry in sport and although this is only the second ever [senior] international Futsal match between the two countries, you can already tell it means a lot to both sides."
Both players are looking forward to facing up to each other though, with a number of other players from the University Of Bath team set to be involved.
"We are very lucky at Bath as we have a few international Welsh and English players, the banter is always good amongst us and we’re always having a dig at each other," revealed Ballinger.
Kitson added: "I think prior to the game you can think about it and perhaps a year ago it was bit unusual.
"However, on the other side you do have knowledge on the way they like to play so you can adjust your game to suit.
"This time around I won’t be thinking about it too much, as once the game begins it is just two teams going head to head."
Tickets for the game will be available on the door.
