Wayne Rooney pays Gareth Bale a massive, massive compliment ahead of England v Wales

Is Gareth Bale in the top five players in the world?

Sure, he's one of* the dearest (*in the interest of not upsetting Ronaldo) but has he proved that he's one of the very, very, very best? At 26, the Welshman is bloody extraordinary and, although he will maybe do it one day, he has yet to be nominated for a Ballon d'Or. Cristiano, Messi, Neymar, Suarez, Neuer, De Gea, Iniesta, Modric - are a list of superstars at the moment that are arguably, or definitely, playing above the Wales' gem but it can't be disputed that the big man is certainly a top 10 footballer. Wayne Rooney would go one further though and, ahead of England's clash with Group B leaders and border rivals Wales, he didn't hold back in his praise for Bale, even if he admits they won't be getting too stressed trying to deal with him.

"Honestly, I'm not sure [what way we'll try to combat him]," he said after the Russia game. "I think he's a fantastic player - probably in the top five players in the world. He's the biggest threat of course for Wales but I don't think we're going to out to man mark him. "I think we'll have to play our game. I'm sure they'll have a lot to think about for our team as well. I think we've got a good team. "Wales have a good, solid team and I'm sure it will be a fascinating game."

Ahead of Thursday's encounter, Bale stoked the flames a little when he suggested that the Welsh are more passionate than the English.

"That's what he feels but I'm sure all us English players will feel different. He's obviously a proud Welshman, which he should be. It's where he's from. We're from England and we're very proud Englishmen. "You have to be proud to play for your country. I've said that many times. We are, otherwise we wouldn't be here. "It's going to be a hugely anticipated game. We have to prepare well and get ready."

https://twitter.com/ffsLeicester/status/743081068601966592 Rooney of course had a decent game on Saturday night in Marseille but he was taken off as the first substitute. He's not sure why.

"I don't know."

Fitness wasn't an issue?

"No... Listen, that's the manager's decision and I respect it. He's doing what he feels is right at that moment in time. That's why he gets paid to be the manager, he has to make the decisions."