Gareth Bale 'proud' despite Wales Euro 2016 derby defeat

Lens (France) (AFP) – Gareth Bale declared himself “proud” of his Wales team-mates despite the huge disappointment of Daniel Sturridge’s stoppage-time goal giving England a 2-1 victory on Thursday.

For the second game running at Euro 2016, Bale put Wales ahead from a direct free-kick, but England substitutes Jamie Vardy and Sturridge struck in the second half to give England victory.

“Obviously it is massively disappointing, but I am very proud of everybody,” Real Madrid forward Bale told the BBC after the match in Lens.

“We gave everything like we always do and I have said before, if we go out but have given 100 percent, then we can’t do any more.”

Had Wales held on for a draw, they would have preserved their grip on top spot in Group B, but Sturridge’s 91st-minute strike meant they slipped to second ahead of their final group game against Russia on Monday.

“We are disappointed at the moment, but we are strong inside and the tournament is not over yet,” Bale said.

“We will go into the next game with even more strength. We keep fighting all the way. We will keep fighting to qualify.”