The Welsh are beginning to enjoy themselves at Euro 2016.
Not only did The Dragons win their first group game with 2-1 victory over Slovakia on Saturday, but their Euro 2016 campaign got a boost thanks to England’s 1-1 draw with Russia in the evening.
The results have left Wales top of Group B, with qualification very much in their hands.
— Robbie Savage (@RobbieSavage8) June 11, 2016
All eyes are now on Wales next game against England in a match that’s sure to decide who will top Group B. It’s a match that Gareth Bale has described as the stand-out of the group and one he can’t wait to play.
Talking to Sky Sports, the Wales talisman said, “For me, it’s probably the stand-out game in the group stages, but there is no pressure on us because they believe they can beat us.
“I had a chuckle when England came out, I’m not going to lie. It’s an amazing game to be involved in and it’s like any derby, you never want to lose to the enemy.”
Bale quickly turned to talking about the English and Welsh fans, before adding that Wales’ “12th man” may give them that extra edge on Thursday’s game compared to the more cynical England fans.
“They [England fans] big themselves up before they’ve done anything, so we’re going to go there and believe we can beat them.”
“I think we’ve got a lot more passion and pride about us than them. We’ll definitely show that on the day. I don’t know what it is but, if you’re Welsh, we feel more pride and passion than anyone else.
“Look at the national anthem, everyone sings, the whole stadium. I remember the Belgium game. We were all tired and the whole stadium just started singing it. I don’t think any other nation would do that. Being Welsh just brings it out of you.
“It’s like when I was young and being in a pub with my parents, everyone watching rugby or football on the television. Everyone was together, singing. It’s the way we are brought up.”
Another case of “England fans are arrogant”, or just Gareth Bale looking to thank the Welsh fans who cheered so loudly throughout their game against Slovakia?
All we know is we’re planning our excuses at work for Thursday afternoon, because England vs. Wales got a lot more important.
