Not one England player would make Wales team, taunts Bale

The 26-year-old Real Madrid forward lit the blue touch paper ahead of the Group B fixture when he claimed that Wales have more pride and passion than their English counterparts, and also accused the Three Lions of arrogance.

Hodgson: Bale was "disrespectful"

England manager Roy Hodgson responded by calling Bale "disrespectful" while Jack Wilshere stated that England have better players and a better team.

"It's good that they bit," Bale said Tuesday. "I never said that they didn't have passion and pride, I just feel in my opinion that we have more," he added. "I'm sure they have their opinion that they have more also. I'm happy with my comments. I feel we've got a massive team spirit, one of the best I've seen - and that's just my opinion.

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Bale: "I don't care what England say"

"People can say what they want. Someone said I disrespected England, which wasn't the case. They're entitled to their opinion. I really don't care what they say to be honest. If they feel they have the better squad, good for them."We know we're a good team and we know we can beat them on our day."

Bale also mischievously suggested that no players in the England squad would get into the Wales team, which is hardly likely to improve relations ahead of what looks set to a feisty encounter.

Wales know backing up their victory over Slovakia with another three points will guarantee them a place in the knock-out round, while also moving England perilously close to a first-round exit for the second major tournament in a row.

Wales have not beaten England since a 1-0 victory over their old rivals in Wrexham in 1984. That fixture also happens to be the last time the Dragons found the net against their neighbours, and it is a trend midfielder Aaron Ramsey wants to end.

"It's about time we did beat them. We are top, they got a draw, all the pressure is on them. We are having fun," said the Arsenal midfielder.

str/tw