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Tuesday, 6 September 2011

Bale Positive About England Battle


Gareth Bale is confident the Welsh can "nick" a positive result from their Euro 2012 qualifying showdown with England at Wembley on Tuesday.

Wales are bottom of qualifying Group G but were boosted for their visit to table-topping England after a 2-1 win over high-flying Montenegro on Friday.

Bale was man-of-the-match and feels the morale-boosting first points of the campaign help prepare for England.

"Hopefully we'll nick a result over there," said the 22-year-old winger.

"It's one of those confidence boosters that you need going into such a big game.

"We'll prepare now, get ready for it and give it 110%."

England have not lost a home qualifying game under Fabio Capello, but the Welsh have a creditable record at Wembley, losing just twice in their last eight visits to London.

Wales, however, have won just once at Wembley - a 1-0 Home Internationals victory in 1977 - and are seeking their first away win in their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

Bale's Wales team-mate Joe Ledley acknowledges their Montenegro success does give the side a "bit of a lift" but he has a warning for his colleagues.

"England have got world class players," said Celtic midfielder Ledley.

"And it is going to be a tough game. But if we played like we did against Montenegro then anything can happen.

"It is a great honour for us boys to go out and play against England as they have some of the best players in the world."

Steve Morison and captain Aaron Ramsey both scored against Montenegro - Wales' second and third goals of this campaign - as Gary Speed secured his first qualifying win as Welsh manager.

And Bale thinks working hard in training will lead to more goals.

"It's always good to get anyone on the score sheet, especially your strikers," said the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder.

"It's something we hope to get a lot more of in the future and something we'll be working on.

"We've been working really hard since the new manager came in; playing a new system, a new formation and getting the ball down.

"I think the last couple of games, it's been a bit frustrating and we haven't started so well. Hopefully the Montenegro game is a turning point and we can kick on."