Euro 2016: 5 thing England must do to stop Gareth Bale

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LENS, FRANCE – JUNE 15: Wales player Gareth Bale shares a joke with team mates during Wales training ahead of their Euro 2016 match against England at Stade Bollaert-Delelis on June 15, 2016 in Lens, France. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /

England must focus their defensive attention on Gareth Bale in order to defeat Wales in Euro 2016

If England plan on advancing past the group stage of Euro 2016 they’re going to need a result against Wales. Of course, the key to defeating the Welshmen is finding a way to keep Gareth Bale off the score sheet.

Keeping the prolific Real Madrid star quiet will be quite the task for the English defense. He is one of the most talented offensive players in the world and his skill and pace can torment even the most talented defenders in the world.

No one would accuse England’s centre-backs as being some of the best players in the world. Chris Smalling is a solid option, but Gary Cahill doesn’t exactly inspire confidence as his partner. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Roy Hodgson opt for John Stones instead to combat Bale.

Keeping Gareth Bale off the score sheet won’t be easy for the Three Lions, but it’s the task they must accomplish if they want to earn three points. Here are five things the England team must do if they have any chance of keeping the former Spurs star quiet.

Next: 1. All 11 players must defend