The Real Madrid star has played second fiddle to his Galactico teammates, but Euro 2016 and a match against the Three Lions is a chance to reassert himself, writes Peter Staunton.
There was no getting around it. Before a can-can had been kicked in an extravagant musical ceremony at Les Palais des Congres on Saturday, Gareth Bale was quizzed about Wales' chances should England come out of the hat in the Euro 2016 draw.
“We think we can beat England and all the pressure would be on them," he said Friday. "But we will try to do our best whoever we play.