Gareth Bale hits out at England - 'We have more pride than them'

Wales star forward Gareth Bale has kicked off the war of words with England ahead of their Euro 2016 clash in Lens next week, saying the Three Lions "big themselves up before they've done anything". 

Gareth Bale and his team-mates are preparing for their Group B opener against Slovakia on Saturday, but the Real Madrid forward is already looking ahead to their much-anticipated meeting with England. 

"It is like any derby - you never want to lose to the enemy," said the 26-year-old on Friday. 

"I think we've got a lot more passion and pride about us than them. We'll definitely show that on the day. 

"I knew [England being in Wales' group] was going to come. It is an amazing game to be involved in. 

"For me it is probably the standout game in the tournament in the group stage. It is one we are looking forward to. 

"There is no pressure on us. They big themselves up before they've done anything, so we're going to go there and we believe we can beat them. 

"They believe they can beat us. I'm sure it will be a very good game; hopefully we can come out on top."