CHERRIES manager Eddie Howe believes England’s Euro 2016 destiny may have been shaped by their “excellent” display against Russia.

Howe felt the Three Lions had deserved more than a share of the points from a 1-1 draw in Marseille on Saturday.

And while he knows it has ramped up the pressure ahead of today’s showdown with Wales, Howe also thinks the performance will stand them in good stead if they can progress from the group.

He told the Daily Echo: “With the draw against Russia, there is now a need for England to try to win this game.

“In general, the performance against Russia was very good, bar the late goal, and I think a similar type of display could see England win this game.

“Wales have obvious strengths and have two or three really outstanding players. We will need to keep them quiet to give ourselves the best chance.”

England again failed to start a major tournament with victory as Vasili Berezutski’s stoppage-time header gave Russia a draw they had barely deserved in the Stade Velodrome.

Roy Hodgson’s team were dominant and fully merited the lead given to them when Eric Dier crashed a 20-yard free-kick past goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev with 17 minutes left.

Howe added: “I have been there many times as a manager when you play very well and don’t win.

“Although the immediate reaction from everybody is negative, as the manager, you are very positive because you see so many good signs for the future.

“Equally, I have been there when we have won a game and not played very well. Everyone is very positive but you are concerned because you think potentially you may have got lucky.

“I have experienced both sides and felt England’s display against Russia was really positive. They did a lot of good things and, if they could get through the group stages, they could be a real threat in the tournament on the basis of that performance.”