Tuesday 14 June 2016 23:28, UK
Gareth Bale stands by his comments that Wales have more passion and pride than Euro 2016 Group B opponents England.
Ahead of his side's opener against Slovakia, Bale said Wales had more pride and passion than England.
That provoked a reaction from England boss Roy Hodgson, who called Bale's remarks "disrespectful".
Midfielder Jack Wilshere then told reporters on Monday Wales did not like England, adding he had never questioned the passion of any of his team-mates.
"It's good that they bit," Bale said with a grin at Wales' press conference in Dinard.
"I never said that they didn't have passion or pride. I just feel in my opinion that we have more and I'm sure they have the opinion that they have more also.
"People obviously like to take things out of context a bit. I'm happy with my comments and I feel we have a massive team spirit - probably the best I have seen in teams.
"Whether it's rugby or football, whatever the sport in Wales we just seem to have that next level. You really feel it on the pitch, watching the games and I'm just giving my opinion."
Chris Coleman's side sit top of Group B after beating Slovakia 2-1, while England were denied victory in their opener after conceding an added-time equaliser against Russia in Marseille on Saturday night.
And Bale says he has spotted chinks in England's armour, insisting Wales are ready to "exploit those weaknesses" when the two sides meet in Lens on Thursday.
"We know they [England] have strengths. They are a very good team. We know everything about them," he said.
"A lot of the players now play week-in week-out against them so we know they are a very good team but we also know they have weaknesses. Obviously we are not going to tell you them at the moment but we'll do our homework and be looking to exploit those weaknesses.
"The main thing for us is to enjoy it. We know we'll give everything."
Of the 11 goals Chris Coleman's squad scored in the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, Bale netted seven and created two. He also scored Wales' opener against Slovakia on Saturday.
However, he said Wales' team ethic, not his own performance, is all that matters in a game he describes as a derby.
Bale added he would do whatever Coleman asked him to - even if it means taking corners like England striker Harry Kane has surprisingly been doing for his country.
"If the manager asks me to take a corner, I'll take a corner. But I'm not too bothered about England. This is about Wales," he said.
"I'm fully for the team. If I have to do extra running for a team mate, I'll do it. If I don't get a kick to make space for a team mate, I'll do that as well. It's all about the team, not me, and for us and we'll just keep working hard for each other, keep putting in performances together and winning as a team."
During England's press conference yesterday, Wilshere said the Three Lions' squad was superior to Wales' but Bale was nonplussed by the Arsenal midfielder's remarks.
"As I said before people can say what they want to be honest," he said.
"Someone said that in the press conference I disrespected England but that wasn't the case. They are entitled to their opinion and I really don't care what they say to be honest. If they feel they have the better squad good for them. We know we are a good team and we know we can beat them on our day."
Asked about mindgames ahead of the clash, Bale said: "For me there aren't any we just focus on ourselves, others like to comment on them. For us as a team, a camp, we don't really listen to anything, we are just concentrating on our ourselves Nothing is fazing us, we don't feel any pressure, we're just going to go out and enjoy the occasion."
England midfielder Adam Lallana described Bale as a "good friend" and a "very good player" but the Real Madrid forward says that will all go out of the window come kick-off on Saturday afternoon.
"I have a good relationship with some of them (the England squad)," Bale said. "I've played with a few of them at Tottenham and obviously I played with Adam at Southampton and I've grown up with him."
"We know they have fantastic players, we know they have a good team, there is no question about that. But come matchday when you cross that white line there are no friends."
Hodgson, England skipper Wayne Rooney and FA chairman Greg Dyke have all voiced their concerns about security and fan behaviour ahead of the game and Bale echoed their calls for supporters to behave sensibly in Lens.
"I think it's important that if the fans go to the game they enjoy it," Bale added. "We want it to be a family-friendly sport. I think if you don't have a ticket you should not try to go to the game, but stay out of trouble and enjoy it (is my message to the Wales fans).
"It's a historic moment, especially for our country, and one that everybody should enjoy and not look back on with any regrets.
"I have family coming so I'm hoping it's going to be a safe place for them to go. I'm fully expecting for everything to go on as normal. Our fans behaved amazingly in the last game, they always do. They are very proud and passionate, we are a very proud and passionate nation and I am sure they will do their best again."
Wales have not beaten England in 32 years but Bale insists the gap between the two nations has narrowed in recent years.
"England are a bigger nation they have a lot more players to choose from but I think we have closed the gap massively," he said.
"We know they are a good team and we know we are a good team. I'm sure they think if they put in a good performance they can beat us and we are exactly the same. If we play as a team and work together and play well we feel we can win. Come the game we will be preparing to win."
Boss Coleman has asked Bale to be a leader on and off the pitch for Wales and Bale admits he has relished the extra responsibility placed on his shoulders.
"I'm enjoying everything with Wales. I love playing football," he said.
"I love being around the boys. It's a very good camp to be in. I've spoken to a few of the players and had a few words of encouragement for them. I've tried to help them if I can and it obviously worked in the first game."
