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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

Gareth Bale's definitive answer on Wales future as Rob Page offers hint on team to face England

Gareth Bale says Wales' must-win World Cup clash against England will not be his final outing for his country.

The 33-year-old became the most-capped men's Welsh international of all-time last time out, although the landmark was soured as Rob Page's men were beaten 2-0 by Iran.

Defeat left the Red Dragons needing victory against the Three Lions on Tuesday night to stand any chance of reaching the knockout stages of the Qatar tournament.

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But when asked if the clash with England could be his last in the red jersey of Wales, Bale simply responded: "Nope."

The captain is now aiming to inspire what would go down as arguably the greatest achievement in Welsh football history as Wales go in search of victory against their local neighbours while hoping that the result of Iran's clash with the USA goes in their favour.

And following what was a gut-wrenching defeat last time out, Bale says the team as a collective need to deliver on Tuesday night. "We’re a nation and we work hard for each other," he said.

"We need to deliver as a team, it’s not one person that needs to do anything. We’ve been working hard in the last couple of days.

"Of course we’d have loved everything to be winning and doing a lot better but the reality is, football is hard. If it was that easy we’d be favourites to win the World Cup. We need to stick together, keep our spirits high and we’ll give 100% tomorrow like we always do."

Fans and pundits have criticised the impact of both Bale and Aaron Ramsey during the course of the global showpiece so far. It has led to a debate over whether or not the pair should start against Gareth Southgate's side given their lack of game time at club level over recent years.

And boss Page hinted that he could make changes to his side for the crunch showdown with England at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.

“It’s a big ask for anybody in this environment to go four days later," explained the head coach. "I’m going to pick a team that I think can go out and compete against England, whether that’s with or without them (Bale and Ramsey). I’m not going to give that away today.

“If they don’t start, can they can make an impact? That’s always been my dilemma, playing games in quick succession. If they start one game, can they start the next? My thought process won’t be any different.

“Whether they come on and have an impact or start and last an hour or 90 minutes, they are talented footballers.

“We’re all getting criticism now and rightly so because results aren’t going our way and that’s the industry we’re in. We’re big enough to take it – it’s not a problem. We put our big boy pants on and get on with it.”

Wales v England gets under way at 7pm UK time on Tuesday, November 29.

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