Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey out of Slovakia match through injury

The Dragons’ first major tournament for 58 years begins in Bordeaux on Saturday afternoon against Slovakia.

Bale led a resurgent Wales side to a wildly impressive qualifying campaign, using his superlative talents to help lead his side to glory, reaching the Euros for their first time ever.

Jan Kozak’s side also beat defending Euro champions Spain in qualifying and are looking to emulate their achievements at the 2010 World Cup, when they knocked out holders Italy before falling in the last 16. Indeed, the games against the Belgians were the highlights of Wales’ campaign – a draw away before a 1-0 win at home proved their ability to match the best sides.

“I’ve got absolutely no worry over these players, no concern, no doubt, no fear, because I know what they’re capable of”.

He scored seven goals in qualifying, and Bale aside, Wales managed just four other goals in 10 games. “We just want the points, we want the wins, we want to go as far as we can in this tournament”.

Expect an energetic encounter between two teams who work hard and boast similar strengths.

All the pre-match build-up had focused on Bale against Hamsik, and it was the Slovakia star who was first to threaten with a brilliant solo run inside three minutes.

“They big themselves up before they’ve done anything, so we’re going to go there and believe we can beat them”. “He showed his class in that situation. Obviously he’s a world class player and it showed on the pitch”. Napoli playmaker Marek Hamsik will be at the centre of things for them, whilst Manchester City and Rangers fans will recognise the name of Vladimir Weiss, who will likely come off the bench.

In the two times these sides have played, Slovakia have won 5-1 and Wales have won 5-2.

Wales plays England next on Thursday in Lens, while Slovakia meets Russian Federation the day before in Lille.

After robbing Bale, he surged past Ashley Williams, David Edwards and James Chester before drilling a left-foot shot past goalkeeper Danny Ward – making his first start in place of the injured Wayne Hennessey – but Ben Davies slid in nearly miraculously to divert the ball behind for a corner.