Wales legend Ian Rush has claimed that his country will not be beaten by England when the two sides meet at Euro 2016 on June 16.

The home nations have been drawn together in Group B alongside Russia and Slovakia, with Wales appearing in their first major tournament since the 1958 World Cup.

England provided an early statement by coming from behind to beat world champions Germany in the recent international break, but Rush is unconcerned by the threat the Three Lions pose.

"I've got a strong feeling that we won't lose to England, even though they've had a good result against Germany. The first game is vital - you don't lose the first game. After that, we'll go into the England game full of confidence," he told BBC Wales Sport.

"When you've got [Gareth] Bale and [Aaron] Ramsey in the side, as well as the defence we've got, teams won't want to play us. I'm looking at it as the start of something big.

"The easiest thing is getting there; the hardest thing is doing it over and over again. We're going to have incredible support out there. We've had a good Euros, so let's take it to the World Cup."

Rush also believes that France should be counted as favourites for the tournament on home soil, but expects a number of teams to challenge.

"I think this is a wide open Euros. I think five or six teams could win it. England beating Germany tells you something about it. But France will be favourites because it's in France and they've got a good side," he added.

Rush is Wales's record goalscorer with 28 goals from 73 appearances.

Written by
Barney Corkhill