Wales' Euro 2016 success highlights England's failure - Sir Geoff Hurst

Mark Mann-Bryans5 July 2016

Sir Geoff Hurst believes Wales' run to the semi-finals of the European Championships only serves to further highlight the failings of England.

The 1966 World Cup winner revealed he will be cheering on Chris Coleman's men as they look to beat Portugal for a place in Sunday's final.

But Hurst reckons England's humiliating exit to Iceland at the round of 16 stage - which led to the resignation of coach Roy Hodgson - is only made worse the further Wales progress.

"It does in a sense highlight the disappointment against the backdrop of how well the Welsh have performed," he told Press Association Sport.

"Our exit was extremely disappointing and when you couple it with how Wales have performed with players you would argue are not of a similar calibre, it does highlight it even more."

Wednesday's semi-final meeting with Portugal in Lyon has been billed as a battle between Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale as the two Real Madrid forwards look to lead their respective nations into a final against either hosts France or world champions Germany.

Coleman has led his side further into the competition than England, who remain the only side to beat Wales at the tournament following a last-gasp winner in the group stages, as well as Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

And now Hurst, who hit a famous hat-trick in England's only major tournament success approaching 50 years ago, is fully in support of their remarkable story continuing.

"I'm delighted for them," he added.

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"I think it is great the home countries have been competing in the Euros and I would support Wales now we are out of it.

"It has been absolutely fantastic for the Welsh and the country already but if they continue again It would be a magnificent achievement."

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While Wales look to a potential final, England are managerless and in the doldrums as a review into recent performances is again expected before a new boss is announced.

Hurst has said he wants to see an Englishman in charge and backed former boss Glenn Hoddle to be given another chance, while the likes Sam Allardyce, Alan Pardew and Eddie Howe could also be in the frame if the Football Association decide to appoint a native.

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