Bale's Wales outgun Russia to take top spot from England

Gareth Bale kept up his goal-a-game Euro 2016 campaign Monday to guide Wales to a 3-0 win over Russia and push them ahead of rivals England in their group, reports AFP.

 

England could only manage a frustrating goalless draw against Slovakia and dropped to second place in Group B.

 

Aaron Ramsey and Neil Taylor also scored in Wales' easy win in Toulouse against a limp Russian side whose campaign has been tainted by their roughhouse fans.

 

In the last 16, Wales will play one of the four best third-placed finishers at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Saturday.

 

Bale and manager Chris Coleman said the side appearing at their first European Championship finals could not have hoped for a better Euro.

 

"We started very well, we didn't feel too nervous at the start and were very confident," said Bale.

 

"To top the group, it is a dream for all of us, we said we didn't want to just make up the numbers and we can't do more than we have."

 

Coleman said the Euro 2016 should brace for a lot more from his side.

 

"I said before that there's more to come for this group.

 

"Even after this tournament is over, this group are on the way to something else. I'm just glad me and the staff are here with them. We have no fear. And after playing like that, why should we?" Coleman said.

 

England must now take on the runners-up of Group F in Nice next Monday. Depending on Group F's final results on Wednesday it could throw up a clash against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.