Rush prioritises Slovakia test

Wales legend Ian Rush believes it will be crucial for the Dragons to make a strong start to their European Championship campaign when they take on Slovakia in Bordeaux on June 11.

Chris Coleman’s side will be playing in their first major international tournament since the 1958 World Cup and they have been drawn in Group B for the finals alongside the Slovakians, England and Russia.

Much of the attention has been focused on the match against England on June 16, but former national team forward Rush believes the more important match is their encounter with the Slovakians at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux. Rush said: “It’s not a group of death. They talk about the England game but the first time is the most important one – we can’t lose that. It will be great if we can get a win but it’s more important we don’t lose.”

Rush, who scored 28 goals in 73 appearances for the Dragons during a 16-year international career, believes it will be hard for the team to adapt to tournament football, but he is hopeful of their chances of making an impact in France.

He added: “It’s all new to Wales and you don’t really know until you play there. But they’ll be better for it once they go through it. Physically, they will be fine, it’ll be more about the mental approach and how they adapt to being away for a long time.”

Wales are available at 2.60 to begin the tournament with a victory, while Slovakia are on offer at 2.88 and the draw is priced at 3.00.