England and Wales fans create electric atmosphere at vital EURO 2016 clash

ENGLAND and Wales fans have braved the rain to cheer on their teams at this afternoon's vital Euro 2016 match in Lens.

Despite some violent skirmishes with police and opposition fans last night, the two groups of supporters are in fine voice and mingling together peacefully at the Group B matchup. 

Welsh fans will be looking to Gareth Bale to push on from their opening day victory over Slovakia and beat England for the first time since 1984. 

The atmosphere is absolutely top draw #ENGWAL

— James (@_EverardJ) 16 июня 2016 г.

What a game … Great atmosphere,great passion and just pure excitement #ENGWAL. #EURO2016

— Richard Goosetree (@RJG_22) 16 июня 2016 г.

England, however, will be hoping to bounce back from their last gasp heartbreak in their first game at this summer's championships, which they drew 1-1 with Russia due to a injury time equaliser. 

Atmosphere is crazy. Would have loved to be there #ENGWAL

— BEEZY BABZ (@MBeezybabz) 16 июня 2016 г.

The match at Stade Bollaert-Delelis  has come amid a backdrop of fan trouble, following days of violence in Marseille and more trouble in Lille last night. 

Thirty-seven people were arrested and 16 were rushed to hospital as England and Welsh fans clashed with French riot police and Russia fans. 

Today, 20 Russian fans were deported for their part in the violence, while both nations have been warned to be on their best behaviour or face expusion from the tournament. 

England made no changes to the line-up that began against Russia while Wales made three, bringing in Hal Bryan-Nwankwo, Wayne Hennessey and Joe Ledley. 

Just under 40,000 fans have packed the stadium in Lens, with tens of thousands of supporters travelling from both nations. 

Thousands more have gathered in Lille to watch the game together at the city's fanpark, while millions of fans back home have taken breaks at their workplace to watch the match. 

Early rain gave way to glorious sunshine as both sets of fans roared as the players emerged onto the pitch before singing rousing renditions of their national anthems.

In a refreshing change from the Russia-England fixture, both groups of supporters applauded each others national anthems before the match.