“ It’s a NO from Gareth Bale “
Mon Nov 28, 2022 4:52 pm
Gareth Bale says Wales' must-win World Cup clash against England will not be his final outing for his country, so it’s a NO to being Gareth Bales last game.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Re: “ It’s a NO from Gareth Bale “
Mon Nov 28, 2022 5:35 pm
As others have said he just needs to play more than an hour every year, same with Ramsey. Obviously they are both slower now but the team should be adjusted to make use of their undoubted experience & skill as they can both turn a game on a dime, their fitness just needs to be managed better.
Re: “ It’s a NO from Gareth Bale “
Mon Nov 28, 2022 5:53 pm
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Re: “ It’s a NO from Gareth Bale “
Mon Nov 28, 2022 6:30 pm
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Re: “ It’s a NO from Gareth Bale “
Mon Nov 28, 2022 9:28 pm
If Wales beat England, it won't be Gareth's last game
If they don't, then sadly it should be; but then again, who is genuinely going to take his place?
The guy is a Welsh icon to be appreciated for what he has done for this country and his commitment to it...!
If they don't, then sadly it should be; but then again, who is genuinely going to take his place?
The guy is a Welsh icon to be appreciated for what he has done for this country and his commitment to it...!