Internet Desk:The Real Madrid star is looking forward to taking on Roy Hodgson’s men on Thursday with the Three Lions in need of a win after having been held by Russia in their opening game.
Much has been made of Bale’s comments last week, when he claimed Wales have “more passion and pride” than their English counterparts – a remark labelled “disrespectful” by Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson.
The Real Madrid star went on to score the first goal in Wales’ 2-1 victory over Slovakia in their Group B opener, before England were denied a win by Russia captain Vasili Berezutski’s injury-time equaliser in Marseille.
Those results mean Chris Coleman’s team head into Thursday’s historic fixture – which will be the 102nd meeting between the home nations, but the first in a major tournament – in command of the pool and knowing that a win will assure them of a place in the last 16.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Bale insisted he meant no disrespect to England – before grinning and answering “none” to a question about how many of Hodgson’s players would get into the Welsh side.
Bale began his journey to becoming the world’s most expensive footballer and a double Champions League winner at Southampton.
He played alongside Adam Lallana at St Mary’s Stadium and the England man, now of Liverpool, was fulsome in his praise for his former team-mate on Tuesday.
Lallana told a pre-match news conference that Bale ranks among the top five players in the world, but was quick to stress that Wales are by no means a one-man team.
Lallana also insisted that England have recovered from the blow of Berezutski’s late goal at the Stade Velodrome and are raring to go again in Lens.