Euro 2016: Gareth Bale says pain of losing to England before spurs the belief that Wales can win the Battle of Britain in Lens
Dragons talisman says heartbreak of 2011 will come full circle and that the squad have belief that victory will be theirs
GARETH BALE wants no regrets at full-time against England — unlike the last time the two countries met.
Back then the Three Lions scraped a 1-0 win over Wales in a Euro 2012 qualifier.
Almost five years on and Bale is still kicking himself over leaving Wembley empty-handed.
Chris Coleman’s side have improved since then and Bale hopes to use that encouraging display as inspiration in Lens — and guarantee his nation a last-16 spot.
The £86million Real Madrid superstar said: “When we analysed that game we realised we should have won it.
“We felt we were the better side.
“They are a good team and had their moments. But we felt like we played very well. I think we missed an open goal and Robert Earnshaw might have missed one towards the end.
“We had our chances but we didn’t take them on that day. So the belief is there.
“We are a better team now and more experienced. I think we’ve a great chance of winning.”
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Bale, 26, has won two Champions League titles in the last three seasons at Real Madrid.
And he is determined to pass that big-game experience on to his team-mates and help them cope with the Battle of Britain heat.
Asked how it compares to a Champions League final, Bale said: “It feels similar — you just want to win.
“Whatever game I go into I feel the same. You want to get out with the win and three points — or a trophy.
“It’s great to have that experience but there’s still massive pressure to win — pressure that we put on ourselves.
“We want to qualify. We want to be the best team. We try and thrive off it.
“I’ve got experience in big games and pressure situations. So I’ve spoken to one or two of the boys and a few have come up to me as well.
“I’ve given them a bit of advice — to help them not be so nervous and try to ease the pressure and try to enjoy it.
“I feel if you enjoy your football you play a lot better.”
And Wales’ talisman insists he is relaxed about the prospect of being man-marked today.
Bale added: “It doesn’t bother me.
“If I don’t get the ball I will stand on the wing and he can stand next to me and there will be a massive hole in the middle.
“I will do whatever for the team.”