Gareth Bale 'happy' with claim Wales have more pride than Euro 2016 opponents England

Gareth Bale stands by his comments that Wales have more passion and pride than Euro 2016 Group B opponents England.

Ahead of his side's opener against Slovakia, Bale said Wales had more pride and passion than England.

That provoked a reaction from England boss Roy Hodgson, who called Bale's remarks "disrespectful".

Midfielder Jack Wilshere then told reporters on Monday Wales did not like England, adding he had never questioned the passion of any of his team-mates.

"It's good that they bit," Bale said with a grin at Wales' press conference in Dinard.  

"I never said that they didn't have passion or pride. I just feel in my opinion that we have more and I'm sure they have the opinion that they have more also.

"People obviously like to take things out of context a bit. I'm happy with my comments and I feel we have a massive team spirit - probably the best I have seen in teams.

"Whether it's rugby or football, whatever the sport in Wales we just seem to have that next level. You really feel it on the pitch, watching the games and I'm just giving my opinion."

Chris Coleman's side sit top of Group B after beating Slovakia 2-1, while England were denied victory in their opener after conceding an added-time equaliser against Russia in Marseille on Saturday night.

And Bale says he has spotted chinks in England's armour, insisting Wales are ready to "exploit those weaknesses" when the two sides meet in Lens on Thursday.

"We know they [England] have strengths. They are a very good team. We know everything about them," he said.

"A lot of the players now play week-in week-out against them so we know they are a very good team but we also know they have weaknesses. Obviously we are not going to tell you them at the moment but we'll do our homework and be looking to exploit those weaknesses.

"The main thing for us is to enjoy it. We know we'll give everything."

Of the 11 goals Chris Coleman's squad scored in the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, Bale netted seven and created two. He also scored Wales' opener against Slovakia on Saturday.However, he said Wales' team ethic, not his own performance, is all that matters in a game he describes as a derby.

Bale added he would do whatever Coleman asked him to - even if it means taking corners like England striker Harry Kane has surprisingly been doing for his country.

"If the manager asks me to take a corner, I'll take a corner. But I'm not too bothered about England. This is about Wales," he said.

"I'm fully for the team. If I have to do extra running for a team mate, I'll do it. If I don't get a kick to make space for a team mate, I'll do that as well. It's all about the team, not me, and for us and we'll just keep working hard for each other, keep putting in performances together and winning as a team."

Asked how many England players would get into the Welsh team, Bale smiled and replied: "None."