Gareth Bale: Wales will keep on fighting

16 June 2016 18:53

Gareth Bale insisted Wales would keep fighting for a last-16 place at Euro 2016 following their shattering 2-1 defeat to England.

Bale gave Wales the lead in Lens close to half-time with a 35-yard free-kick, his second goal of the tournament.

B ut England substitutes Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge scored second-half goals to take them to the top of Group B.

England now have four points from two games, Wales and Slovakia are tied on three and Russia have one ahead of the final round of matches.

"We gave 100 per cent and can't have any regrets," Bale told uefa.com after Sturridge's injury-time strike gave England a dramatic victory.

"We still feel strong, we still feel happy.

"We are enjoying the experience and still have one more game to go.

"The tournament is not over yet. We are still in the thick of it and we will go into our last game with even more strength."

Wales' final group game is against Russia in Toulouse on Monday, the same night England play Slovakia in St Etienne.

Chris Coleman's side would win the group if they beat Russia and England were to lose to Slovakia.

Wales would also qualify for the last 16 by avoiding defeat to Russia and Slovakia failing to beat England.

Those scenarios are possible as Wales would finish above Slovakia on their head-to-head record, having beaten them 2-1 in their opening game.

Wales could also qualify as one of four best third-placed teams.

But defeat to Russia could leave them at risk of elimination by finishing bottom of the group.

"Every game is important as we know and, as I said before, we keep fighting all the way," said Bale.

"We knew if it wasn't a great result today, (but) we are still in the thick of things.

"The fans have been amazing again, incredible scenes.

"We thank them again and will keep fighting to qualify."

Wales captain Ashley Williams spoke to the players in a post-match huddle as England celebrated a fifth straight victory over their neighbours.

Williams' message was that the campaign was far from over and that the players should not be despondent.

"It's tough but we've got another game on Monday so it's a quick turnaround," said Williams.

"We've spoken in the dressing room already so we won't get down about it.

"It hurts because we were close to getting another point.

"We've always felt like this before, this one a little bit more.

"We'll have to get over it. We stick together as a squad and go again."

Source: PA