Wednesday 15 June 2016 09:01, UK
Adam Lallana says there is no chance of England writing off Wales as a "one-man show" in Lens on Thursday.
The build-up to this week's Euro 2016 Group B game has been dominated by Gareth Bale, whose comments about England brought criticism from Roy Hodgson and sparked a tit-for-tat between the rival camps.
Bale insisted on Tuesday he stands by his claim that Wales have the better team spirit, and Lallana believes England would be making a mistake by focusing all their energy on the Real Madrid star come kick-off.
He said: "You don't want to leave your team too vulnerable on the counter-attack with players like Gareth Bale playing, and the strengths and qualities that he has, but it's not a one-man show. They've got plenty of other good players.
"I have the pleasure of playing with Joe Allen and know what a talent he is. Aaron Ramsey is another one who is very talented, so we can't just put all our focus on Gareth, then get a sucker punch from one of their other good players.
"It's right we respect the whole team and look at their strengths and weaknesses, and figure out how we are going to beat them."
Asked about Bale's 'aura', Lallana said: "I know it won't affect me or our team. We have got plenty of players with that aura and special talent. So I don't believe that will come into play, no."
Lallana and Bale played together at Southampton, when Bale was a young left-back a long way from becoming the world's most expensive player, and the Liverpool midfielder went on to praise his old team-mate as a "role model".
He said: "I wouldn't say when he was that young he had an aura around him. He was too young then. I think that developed as his character and ability developed.
"I suppose I am surprised to see how far up the pitch he is playing now. He was a left-back when I was playing with him, with bundles of pace and athleticism.
"It's refreshing to see that someone can turn from a left-back into... I wouldn't even call him a winger because he plays up front now. I think for young players coming through, that's great to see and he's a real role model."
