Roy gives Barkley Bale role

ROY HODGSON asked his players to do their best Gareth Bale impersonations this week as he prepared his squad to face the Wales hero.

It is understood Ross Barkley was among the players asked to mimic the Wales forward’s style of play at their Chantilly training base ahead of today’s clash in Lens.

Bale’s rapid and direct running has made him one of the world’s most potent attacking players.

During the session the England boss asked his players to replicate the sort of runs Bale is likely to make against them. Sportsmail revealed yesterday how Hodgson will not man-mark Bale, despite his obvious threat.

Instead the focus will be on stopping the supply line to Bale; the onus on England’s midfield — particularly Eric Dier — and the full-backs to cut off the lines of sight to the Welsh attacker.

Bale has vowed to deal with any man-marking attempts from England by moving all over the pitch to create space for his team-mates.

Addressing the suggestion England may take precautions with a defender to track him, Bale said: ‘I’ll just move the player out the way and create some space.

‘It doesn’t bother me if I don’t get the ball, I will stand on the wing and he can stand next to me and there will be a massive hole in the middle. It doesn’t matter if I’m good at getting on the ball, if I create space maybe that is more important for the game.

‘I will do whatever for the team. Most important is to get the victory.’