THE COUNTDOWN IS on to today’s crunch showdown in Group B of Euro 2016 in Lens with England taking on Wales, and Welsh star Gareth Bale is not staying out of the spotlight.
Bales has issued a rallying cry ahead of the game which kicks off at 2pm this afternoon with a passionate and emotional speech about what it means to play for his country.
It’s a huge match between the near neighbours after Wales, appearing in their first international tournament since 1958, saw off Slovakia 2-1 last Saturday while England were pegged back late on to draw 1-1 with Russia.
Wales football star Gareth Bale PA Wire / Press Association Images
PA Wire / Press Association Images / Press Association Images
There has been spice added to the build-up with Bale claiming that England ‘big themselves up before they’ve done anything’, which prompted a retort from England boss Roy Hodgson and midfielder Jack Wilshere.
Hodgson claimed that Bale had been ‘disrespectful’ while Wilshere insisted the dislike between the countries was mutual.
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'We play for the shirt and the dragon' - Welsh newspaper captures Bale's rousing speech
THE COUNTDOWN IS on to today’s crunch showdown in Group B of Euro 2016 in Lens with England taking on Wales, and Welsh star Gareth Bale is not staying out of the spotlight.
Bales has issued a rallying cry ahead of the game which kicks off at 2pm this afternoon with a passionate and emotional speech about what it means to play for his country.
It provided the inspiration for a brilliant front page this morning by Welsh newspaper ‘Western Mail’.
It’s a huge match between the near neighbours after Wales, appearing in their first international tournament since 1958, saw off Slovakia 2-1 last Saturday while England were pegged back late on to draw 1-1 with Russia.
There has been spice added to the build-up with Bale claiming that England ‘big themselves up before they’ve done anything’, which prompted a retort from England boss Roy Hodgson and midfielder Jack Wilshere.
Hodgson claimed that Bale had been ‘disrespectful’ while Wilshere insisted the dislike between the countries was mutual.
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