Gareth Bale has dismissed suggestions that Wales’ clash against England will be his last game for his country.
The 33-year-old has won 110 caps for his country since making his debut in 2006.
Getty
Bale has no interest in retiring from international football after the World Cup
The Los Angeles FC striker played for his country in three major tournaments and was key in their journey to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.
Bale, who is Wales’ all-time top scorer, scored his first World Cup goal since 1958 in their draw against the United States.
Their chances of making it to the last 16 look slim to say the least ahead of their clash against England, live on talkSPORT, on Tuesday night as they need to win to have any chance of progressing.
At 33, Bale is in the twilight of his career and the former Real Madrid and Tottenham star has struggled against Iran – hinting his career in Wales may be coming to an end.
Ahead of the England clash, Bale was asked if this could be his last international game for Wales and if it would make him more motivated, and he emphatically replied: “No.”
The No.11 also denied that he felt an additional responsibility to deliver for his nation as the team’s star player.
He added: “We are a nation and we work hard for each other. We have to deliver as a team, it’s not just one person who has to do anything.
“Of course we would have liked everything to win and do much better, but the reality is that football is difficult.
“If it were that simple, we would be the favorites to win the World Cup. We have to stick together and we will give 100% tomorrow, as we always do.
Wales must beat England for the first time since 1984 on Tuesday to have any chance of progressing to the knockout stages.
Even then, unless England are beaten by a four-goal margin, Wales need Iran and the United States to draw their last game to qualify for the knockout stages. in Qatar.
But Bale refuses to give up hope, saying: “There have been a few shocks in the tournament already and there’s no reason why we can’t do the same.
“Everyone has weaknesses. We did our homework and held meetings, and I’m sure they did the same with us.
“We know how difficult it will be. England are a very good team, they are one of the favorites to win the tournament.
“We are under no illusions, it will be difficult, we will give it our all like we always do.”
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