Bale wants England win ‘more than anything’

Gareth Bale says he wants to beat England in next month’s crucial Euro 2016 clash in Lens ‘more than anything’.

The Welsh wizard will be part of Chris Coleman’s squad when they finally end the country’s 58-year wait for a major tournament appearance.

Wales open their Group B campaign against Slovakia in Bordeaux on June 11 but, for most fans, the clash with neighbours England five days later is the moment of truth.

Bale, who scored seven goals in ten qualifiers to inspire his country to an historic place at the European Championship, has revealed the players will also be focused intensely on the Three Lions clash.

Asked about what it would mean to win the game, Bale replied: “I want it more than anything. You don’t understand.”

Wales are likely to be underdogs when they square off against Roy Hodgson’s team but Real Madrid winger Bale firmly believes they are capable of getting the right result on the day.

“Everyone knows the rivalry. It’s going to be amazing game and I’m confident we’ll come out on top, but there’s no expectation,” he said.

Wales were beaten just once in 10 games during qualifying as they finished two points adrift of group winners Belgium. According to Bale, they will look to take things step-by-step in France and see how far they can progress in the tournament.

“I’m really excited to go [to Euro 2016]. It’s the first time that we’ve been there in a long, long time and we’re going out there to try to win each game and see where it takes us,” he added.

Wales are 2.30 to win their first game against Slovakia, who are 2.88 while the draw is 3.10.