England manager Roy Hodgson has hit back at Wales star Gareth Bale for questioning the Three Lions' 'patriotism and desire'.

The Real Madrid attacker claimed last week that his nation has more pride and passion than England.

The two teams will go head to head at Euro 2016 in Lens on Thursday, with Wales at the top of Group B following a 2-1 win over Slovakia, while England sit two points adrift after they were restricted to a 1-1 draw against Russia.

When asked about Bale's comments, Hodgson told reporters: "Receiving disrespectful comments is part and parcel of being a footballer and a football coach.

"I don't ever comment on other people. I've been in the game sufficiently long to know every opponent has got an opinion. The other day it was [Russia goalkeeper Igor] Akinfeev saying we were the worst seeded team and now it's Gareth Bale.

"They can have those opinions but I don't have any doubts personally about our patriotism or desire and that's the important thing. If he believes that that's the case he's welcome to that opinion, but we know who we are, we know what we are. We don't have any doubts about ourselves in that respect."

Meanwhile, UEFA has threatened to expel England from the tournament after a number of fans clashed with rivals supporters and police.

Written by
Danielle Joynson