Wilmots not making plans for Bale

Marc Wilmots says Belgium will not man mark Gareth Bale when they face Wales in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016.

The pair clash in Lille on Friday and are familiar foes, having met in qualifying for each of the last two major tournaments.

Bale made the difference when they last played each other 12 months ago in Cardiff, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win, and he will again be looking to carry his side following a magnificent tournament so far.

Whereas Wales’ success is built on the Real Madrid man’s class and their envious team spirit, Belgium, who are 5.00 to win Euro 2016 outright, have talent all over the field and will feel that if they can come together, a semi-final spot in the tournament is theirs for the taking.

Keeping Bale quiet will be easier said than done, however, and it has been suggested Wilmots may attempt to take him out of the game by giving him special treatment.

The coach says this is not an option due to the 26-year-old’s movement and is confident they can beat Chris Coleman’s men, regardless of their star man.

Wilmots told reporters: “He is playing in a free role and is a bit everywhere, on the wing, and in the central attack. But I will not put one marker on him, we will collectively deal with him.

“We know Wales very well. We lost one time in the qualification by an individual mistake. But then we also had plenty of chances ourselves.”

Belgium are currently 1.73 to win, while the draw is 3.60 and Wales are priced at 5.50.