FORMER Wales striker John Hartson insists Chris Coleman’s Euro 2016 heroes can beat England – but they must keep a clean sheet in order to do so.

The two rivals go head-to-head in a mouth-watering clash at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens on Thursday (2pm), and Hartson believes shutting out England’s forward line is key to Wales’ hopes of winning.

Hartson, who won 51 caps for his country, also reckons that England are the “benchmark” for countries like Wales to measure themselves against in terms of achievements in football.

Wales led Group B after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat of Slovakia and a 1-1 draw for Roy Hodgson’s men against Russia.

“If we can stop England from scoring and defend well, like we know we can, then I think we’ll score, so that makes us a threat, but I’ll be happy with a draw,” said the ex-Arsenal and Celtic striker.

“A draw would suit us but I think if Wales can keep England out then we can win the game.

“We all want to beat England. They are the benchmark because they’ve won the World Cup, they’ve won the World Cup in rugby, and we all aspire to do what they’ve done.

“In that sense, we all want to try and get as good as they are.

“They qualify for more major championships than anybody and have got great players.

“We want to beat England, of course we do, we’re passionate about beating England, but they want to beat us as well.”

Hartson feels Leicester hitman Jamie Vardy could come into the England side after being stuck on the bench at the weekend.

As for Wales, Swansea-born Hartson is eager to see them use the pace in the team to good effect.

“The team that played against Slovakia was a brilliant counter-attacking one with Aaron Ramsey, Jonny Williams and Gareth Bale,” he added.

“They are intelligent, quick and tricky, and you don’t want to face Gareth or Jonny in a foot race because they will show Chris Smalling and Gary Cahill a clean pair of heels if they get going.”

John Hartson is a Currys PC World ambassador and was speaking at the launch of the Ultimate Mobile Home of Football in Cardiff.

The Ultimate Home of Football will be at St David's shopping centre on June 15-16 to screen games from Euro 2016, before visiting various cities in the UK and the Republic of Ireland to offer fans of the chance to enjoy the best football viewing experience possible.