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.
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
