GARETH BALE was hooked at half-time as Wales were dumped out of the World Cup by England.
The Dragons’ main man was seen holding an ice pack on his calf after being replaced by Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson.
Bale, 33, scored Wales’ only goal of the tournament when he converted a penalty in the draw versus USA.
But he only touched the ball EIGHT times in a goalless first half in Tuesday crunch clash before England rampaged to a comfortable 3-0 win.
And in those eight touches he lost the ball five times.
Bale attempted four passes completing just one, and failed to have a shot.
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Despite an ineffective showing, fans were left stunned by Bale’s early exit with Wales needing a moment of magic to avoid going home.
Marcus Rashford hit twice either side of a Phil Foden strike as England booked their spot in the last-16 as group winners and Wales crashed out.
And many feared they may NEVER see Bale in a Wales shirt again.
However, after the game he calmed fears he was going to retire from international duty.
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Wales next face Croatia in March when qualification for Euro 2024 begins.
Bale said: “I hope to be there.
“I’ll keep going as long as I can and as long as I’m wanted.”
On their terrible tournament, he added: “It’s been difficult and we haven’t played very well.
“But we’re all very proud of what we’ve achieved to get here, to do something only one other Welsh team has done, to have qualified.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
