Chris Coleman News
"And all for the very last time"...and last time indeed as all eyes stayed fixed on the 'fastest man on earth' as he stood there at the starting blocks, but who knew that the race would turn out to be a complete shock to all those present at the Olympic Stadium, London, on Sunday.
"When you`ve got a player as good as Aaron, take him out of any team and you are going to know about it," Coleman told a press conference.
Should Bale reach the final, he could find himself facing Germany midfielder Toni Kroos, his Madrid team-mate, who took a dim view of Wales`s chances prior to the tournament.
Russia must beat Wales to avoid a third straight group stage exit at a major tournament.
With the win, England now top the Group B with four points. They have earlier settled for a draw with Russia. Wales are still second with three points, thanks to their 2-1 win over Slovakia.
England boss Roy Hodgson was quick to fend off Bale`s comments having previously labelled the world`s richest player "disrespectful" of his squad.
Playing their first game at a major championship since the 1958 World Cup, Wales took a 10th-minute lead courtesy of Gareth Bale`s fine free-kick.
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