GARETH Bale says Wales will keep on fighting to qualify for the Euro 2016 knockout stages after suffering late heartbreak against England in Lens.

Bale gave Wales the lead with a superb first-half free-kick, just as he had in the opening win over Slovakia, but Chris Coleman’s men were pegged back by a pair of England substitutes after the break.

Jamie Vardy, who replaced Harry Kane, levelled on 56 minutes before Daniel Sturridge, on for Raheem Sterling, poked home a dramatic stoppage-time winner.

The result leaves Wales second behind England in Group B but with everything to play for when they take on Russia in Toulouse on Monday night.

“Obviously it is massively disappointing but I am very proud of everybody,” said Bale.

“We gave everything like we always do and I have said before if we go out but have given 100 per cent then we can't do any more.

“We are disappointed at the moment but we are strong inside and the tournament is not over yet.

“We will go into the next game with even more strength. We keep fighting all the way. We will keep fighting to qualify.”

Captain Ashley Williams admitted that the players were hurting but says they can’t let it affect them against Russia.

"It is tough for everybody obviously but we have another game on Monday and it is a quick turnaround so we won't get down about it. We will get over it.

“It hurts obviously, we were close to getting a point but we didn't but you haven't done enough until the final whistle blows.

“We've seen late goals in this tournament, it wasn't that we switched off, it was just one of those things,” he added.

“It will be fine. A few of us have spoken, the manager has spoken, and we will regroup and get over it.

“At the end of the day we have three points from two games and we will focus on the next game and getting out of the group."

Manager Chris Coleman said: "I am really gutted and absolutely devastated for our fans.

“But this is tournament football, let's get this out of the way and get up in the morning and make sure our minds and focus is on the next challenge.

“We have waited so long to be here but there was always going to be disappointments along the way.

“This is one of them, this is a real tough one but we have to show our mettle and make sure we bounce back.

“We have 90 minutes to make the most of something we have worked hard for but what doesn't hurt you makes you stronger.”

South Wales Argus: