GARETH Bale is delighted to have claimed a ‘moral victory’ over England by finishing above them in Group B and now he’s targeting more British bragging rights as Wales take on Northern Ireland in the Euro 2016 knockout stages.

The Real Madrid star has scored three goals in three games so far in France to help Wales progress to the last 16 as group winners, despite a 2-1 defeat to England.

Ahead of another Battle of Britain against Conor Washington’s Northern Ireland in Paris on Saturday, Bale was asked about how it felt to finish above England.

“It is a moral victory for us,” he said. “It is bragging rights to finish top. It is always nice to get one over on the English!”

And, while he expects a tough game, Bale is confident that Wales can get one over on Northern Ireland too.

“At this stage no matter who you get it is not going to be an easy game,” he said. “We know more about Northern Ireland than Turkey.

“It will be a British type game. If we can match the performance from Russia we have a very good chance.

“It is a game we can win, we will concentrate on ourselves as we usually do and take it from there.

“They have very similar team spirit to us,” he added. “They are a bit more defensive than us. It will be difficult to break them down but we will try our best.”

If Wales can beat Northern Ireland they could face another clash with Belgium, who they beat in qualifying, in the quarter-finals.

Bale insists the players are not looking past Saturday’s match but the ambition in the squad is sky high.

“Obviously you come to the tournament for one reason – to win, not to play three games and go home,” he said.

“The ultimate goal is to try to win the tournament. Each and every game is as important as the last.

“We would love to win it, but all our focus now is on Northern Ireland. Until that whistle goes and we’re through we can’t think about it a second before.

“We know our side of the draw. Maybe it is more favourable. But it is not favourable if you don’t get through.”

South Wales Argus: