Wales can make it hard for anyone at Euro 2016 – Chester

The final round of group matches continues with four matches today. In Bale, they now have the tournament’s top scorer with three goals and the whole team’s work-rate and togetherness mean they will be a tough proposition for whoever they face in the next round.

Asked if claiming top spot gave Wales a better chance of progressing deep into the tournament, Bale said: “It definitely does, there are no easy games but this might give us a slightly easier game”.

Still aged only 26, and even after beginning his global career at left-back, he is now within six goals of Ian Rush’s all-time Wales record.

He found Joe Allen and the Liverpool midfielder controlled the ball effortlessly before splitting the Russian defence with a flawless ball through to Aaron Ramsey.

Ramsey had timed his run perfectly to keep himself onside and he produced a finish to match by lofting the ball over Akinfeev as he advanced.

Russian right back Igor Smolnikov had been pulled into the centre by Bale’s run and Taylor was through on goal with only the keeper to beat.

The wing-back is not noted for his scoring ability and Akinfeev blocked his first attempt, but Taylor made no mistake with the rebound as he smashed a half-volley into the net.

Russian Federation was clumsy and careless in possession and it didn’t take long for the Welsh to make them pay. Even against Russia, Slovakia were reduced to the defensive after taking a 2-0 lead, and looked exhausted towards the end.

Hart was criticised for failing to save Bale’s 35-yard free-kick in Lens.

Russian Federation swapped one twin for another at half-time – Aleksei Berezutski coming on for his brother, Vasili – but stopping Bale running free was not a case of simply keeping it in the family.

Bale, again set up by Ramsey, was then denied the goal he craved by the outstretched boot of Akinfeev.

Here’s how to watch England-Slovakia online.

“Without getting carried away, let’s try and get to the semi-finals”.

Regularly described as a one-man team built on Bale, the Welsh collective display was impressive.

“We can only concentrate on ourselves and when we do that we know we perform well and that goes for everyone, including the fans”.

“Despite usually being a pretty rational guy, it really did feel like the stars were aligning when that Bale figure came out of the mystery packet”. Both sides will be hoping there are a few more moments to savour over the next few weeks.

“So far they (the Welsh fans) have done it fantastically well”. Slovakia, knowing a point could be enough to advance, rarely played in England’s final third. The team, which only earned one point in a disappointing campaign, will now focus on the World Cup, which it is hosting in two years.

Coach Chris Coleman knows he must now manage expectations.