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Rooney: Bale not our focus

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England face rivals Wales on Thursday in Group B

England captain Wayne Rooney insists the Three Lions will not be making Wales star man Gareth Bale the focus of their attentions.

The Three Lions were left to rue a late goal, as Russia came from a goal behind to draw 1-1 in injury time, to dampen the mood of England’s players, in what looked to be the nation’s first ever opening-game victory at the European Championships.

However, Igor Berezutski’s late header was enough to deny England all three points, after Eric Dier’s Beckham-esque free-kick had given the Three Lions the lead.

But while England’s attentions now turn to Wales, who got off to the perfect start with a 2-1 win over Slovakia, Rooney insists Bale will not be at the centre of boss Roy Hodgson’s plans.

“We have to stop other players, you can’t just focus on Gareth Bale. We’re not going to double team him,” said Rooney.

“We have to just think about the next game, and playing the same way we did tonight, on Thursday.”

Meanwhile, after Bale had scored a fine strike to give Wales the lead, Dier was left, also, to celebrate his goal on his first game at a major European tournament.

“Obviously he was one of the best at it, said Dier. “I’ve seen lots of his free kicks and it’s something I like doing and have practised a lot.”

But while Hodgson’s men didn’t get the rest they felt they deserved, centre-back Gary Cahill is confident they will bounce back next week.

“I can’t help thinking we should all be celebrating victory but we got a kick in the teeth at the end which has made the mood after not great,” said Cahill.

“We wanted to get off to a winning start but if we bring that level of confidence and performance in the next two games, we’ll be fine.”

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