Thursday 16 June 2016 13:32, UK
Gareth Bale’s free-kick in Wales’ opening draw with Slovakia was a reminder of just what a threat the Real Madrid man can be.
England will need to give him special attention when the teams face off in Lens on Thursday afternoon.
We take a look at some of the ways they can do that…
No silly free-kicks
Bale's set-piece proficiency is no secret but that didn't help Slovakia keep him out as Matus Kozacik was outfoxed by the movement of the ball in the air. Perhaps the key is to avoid such opportunities arising in the first place. Alarm bells should have been ringing as soon as Patrik Hrosovsky fouled Jonny Williams on Saturday. England must be mindful of the risk.
Cover from midfield
There was space to be found between the lines for Bale against Slovakia when Martin Skrtel did not want to get dragged out of defence, so part of the key is for a holding midfielder to track him too. Eric Dier took the plaudits for his goal against Russia but stopping Bale will be his chief job in Lens - those long shots need close attention.
Cut off the supply
Bale is given an advanced role for Wales and is permitted to roam in search of the ball but there's still an onus on the team's midfielders to find him and that's where England can seek to do a better job than Slovakia. There's a responsibility on Roy Hodgson's attack-minded players to put pressure on the ball in order to prevent easy passes to Wales' star man.
Compete in the air
Bale's aerial prowess in both boxes was apparent against Slovakia - clearing a corner in his own box one moment and seeing a headed effort saved at the other end the next. The dribbling skills might be too much for England at times but there's little excuse for Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling failing to compete in the air. Commitment is required.
Don't chase the game
It was noticeable in the latter stages of Wales' opening game that Bale had freedom to run at the Slovakia defence as they pressed for an equaliser. England could be caught out if they are too adventurous and their greater need for victory after the slip up against Russia means they might feel obliged to push. That's a real risk with Bale's counter-attacking qualities.
And one more thing...
Wales' winner against Slovakia showed that there are other players in Chris Coleman's side who can hurt opponents too. Joe Ledley's through-ball found Aaron Ramsey whose touch set up Hal Robson-Kanu. That goal should act as a reminder to England that they need to stop a team on Thursday, not a player.
