‘BALE TO BE RE-BORN IN THE USA’
GARETH BALE will spend three months living the American dream – before proving a World Cup nightmare for England.
That is the bold prediction of Bale’s long-term Wales team-mate Joe Allen, who believes his national captain’s move to the MLS is already re-energising Bale’s career.
Allen – who has also switched clubs this summer from Stoke City back to Swansea – reckons Bale’s move from Real Madrid to Los Angeles FC has given the Wales skipper a new lease of life.
“With my Wales hat on, the timing of the MLS season will be perfect in terms of him getting in great shape for Wales,” said Allen.
“He’s really hungry to do well out there and hit the ground running. I’m sure he’ll be ready to deliver when it’s the World Cup.”
Bale could make his LA debut tonight when they travel to
Nashville, after rejecting offers from Premier League clubs as well as his home-town side Cardiff City.
Allen, 32, has spent 13 years in the same Wales team as Bale, who turned 33 yesterday, added: “Everyone was looking forward to seeing what would happen after Gareth left Real Madrid.
“I think people assumed he was in a position where he was winding down. But I haven’t seen that. If he’s able to keep playing until the 2026 World Cup, then that’d be great. I know how hungry he will be for this World Cup in November.”
Wales are in the same World Cup group as England, with the USA and Iran making up the numbers.
Bale will have the final three months of the MLS season to reach peak fitness.
Allen joked: “Gareth is in the US, we know the England players really well – we just need someone to go and play for a while in Iran!”