Coleman plays down Euros form fears

Boss Chris Coleman is adamant his Wales side will go to Euro 2016 ‘full of positivity’ despite Monday’s 1-0 defeat against Ukraine in Kiev leaving them with a record of just one win in their last six games.

The 45-year-old became the first Welsh manager to guide the country to a major tournament since the 1958 World Cup, but question marks are being raised about the momentum of the players ahead of their opening game against Slovakia in France on June 11.

Wales have only managed to defeat minnows Andorra in those six games, while Ukraine following Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Netherlands in picking up wins against them.

There have also been draws against Israel and Northern Ireland during that run, but Coleman insists that it is nothing to be worried about.

“We’re going full of positivity, full of confidence,” he said.

“The performances have been good.”

Coleman added: “Results will be what they are going to be but I think if we’re going into a tournament, our first tournament since 1958, and we’re worried about momentum, we’re looking at it all wrong.

“I think in the last six games you’ve got to understand who we’ve played against.

“Bosnia’s never going to be easy, the home game against Israel where we absolutely hammered them but couldn’t score was an excellent performance.

“The Netherlands at home in a friendly and Northern Ireland and away to Ukraine. Sometimes you can look at stats and get carried away with them.”

Wales are 2.30 to defeat Slovakia in that opening Euro 2016 game, while the Slovaks are 2.88 to win and the draw is 3.10.