Bale feeling relaxed ahead of Euro 2016

Wales star Gareth Bale insists his side are feeling relaxed ahead of the European Championships, unlike group opponents England.

Chris Coleman’s side qualified for the tournament after finishing as runners-up to Belgium in Group B. They were then drawn in the same group for the major tournament, alongside England, Russia and Slovakia.

England are favourites to finish atop the pool and Three Lion’s fans are confident of progressing to the knockout stages, beating Wales along the way. However, the Real Madrid star has claimed his side will have the advantage going into the game on June 16.

The former Tottenham forward believes Roy Hodgson’s squad will be unable to cope with the pressure to perform from back home.

He told The Times: “All the pressure is on England. The English press like to blow them up before they’ve done anything.

“For me and the whole Welsh team we really get supported. They don’t put us under severe pressure. We’ve been really bad – we’ve been 100th in the world. So to be where we are now (24th), there’s no pressure, we’re enjoying it.

“It’s the good pressure not the bad pressure of being down there, not qualifying.

“We’re going into the Euros, looking forward to it. Our country know if we give 100% that’s all they can ask for.”

Wales play Slovakia in their opening match on June 11 and they are
2.30 favourites to win. The draw is priced at 3.10, while Slovakia are the slight outsiders at odds of 2.88.