Bertrand happy to talk up Welsh threat

Ryan Bertrand insists England are treating Thursday’s Group B encounter with Wales the same as any other game.

The neighbours meet in Lens for what is expected to an explosive encounter. Wales will attempt to build on their opening Euro 2016 win over Slovakia, Chris Coleman’s side knowing victory over England would cement their place in the last-16.

For England, the challenge is to prove no lasting marks were left by the late disappointment they suffered when Russia levelled in their 1-1 draw in Marseille on Saturday.

That was a game Roy Hodgson’s side had dominated and they now know they cannot afford another slip-up. Looking ahead to the game, Bertrand says there is no danger of England paying too much attention to Gareth Bale and losing sight of what else Wales can bring to the party.

“No doubt Gareth Bale is a world-class player and had a fantastic season with Real Madrid, but it would be very naive to go in with a game plan based around one player,” he said. “And it would be disrespectful to their team as well, because they’ve got quality throughout their side.”

England are 1.53 to beat Wales, who are 6.50 with the draw priced at 4.00. Meanwhile, Bertrand says Hodgson and his management team have been building up for the Wales game just as they would for any other, with no special focus on Bale.

“I wouldn’t give details away to help them, but we’ve approached this game the same as any other, we have gone through the same things,” he added. “I think every team has a dangerman or has a stronger side to their attack, but we have done nothing different to what we usually do.”