Euro 2016: Gareth Bale delights in finishing above England, calls it best he has played for Wales

Toulouse: Gareth Bale scored in his third straight game at Euro 2016, to guide Wales to a 3-0 win over Russia. He later revelled at finishing ahead of bitter rivals England to top Group B. England could only manage a frustrating goalless draw against Slovakia and dropped to second place in the group.

Aaron Ramsey and Neil Taylor also scored in Wales’ easy win against a limp Russian side, whose campaign has been tainted by their roughhouse fans. In the last 16, Wales will play one of the four best third-placed finishers at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Saturday.

Bale said it had probably been his best match with Wales, who are appearing in their first European Championship finals. “The performance was probably the best I’ve been involved in. We started very well, we didn’t feel too nervous at the start and were very confident,” said Bale. “To top the group is a dream for all of us. We said we didn’t want to just make up the numbers and we can’t do more than we have.”

Wales coach Chris Coleman said other teams should brace for a lot more from his side. “I said before that there’s more to come for this group. Even after this tournament is over, this group are on the way to something else. I’m just glad me and the staff are here with them. We have no fear. And after playing like that, why should we?” he asked.

England will now take on the runners-up of Group F in Nice next Monday. Depending on the group’s final results on Wednesday, it could throw up a clash against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.

Wales came into the competition bursting with confidence. Coleman has inspired an underacheiving group to support Bale as he tears through opposing defences. After two free-kick goals against Slovakia and England, the Real Madrid forward did it again against Russia.