Junk food helped me to overcome defeat against England, Bale declares

Gareth Bale has revealed he ate junk food to make himself feel better after Wales fell to a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat against England at Euro 2016.

Bale’s free-kick – his second set-piece goal of the tournament – gave Wales the lead, but substitutes Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge hit back for Roy Hodgson’s men.

Sturridge’s last-gasp winner was a blow to Wales’ qualification hopes and Bale said the team went out for a meal to get over the loss.

“After the game we were very disappointed, especially to lose it in that manner,” the Real Madrid man said. “Straight afterwards, it hurts.

“The day after, we all decided to go out for lunch as a group. We had a nice meal out which meant we got away from the hotel and had a change of scenery.

“Burger and chips seems to have helped. We definitely needed that – just to get out.

“It is nice to have a change and it lightens everyone’s mood up. We had a nice dessert, too. I had a pancake with Nutella. I don’t know yet what I’ll have if we beat Russia but it’ll be something nice. ”

Wales now need a result in their final group game against Russia, but Bale is unconcerned about the England loss affecting the team.

“We are such a close group, we have a laugh,” he added.

Bale insisted that his own personal performances are irrelevant as long as Wales progress to the next round of Euro 2016.