Euro 2016: Gareth Bale taunted by England fans over 'passion' after Welsh defeat

Gareth Bale reacts after Wales' 1-2 loss to England on June 16, 2016.
Gareth Bale reacts after Wales' 1-2 loss to England on June 16, 2016.PHOTO: EPA

Passion was the buzzword for the Battle of Britain at Euro 2016 which saw England beating Wales 2-1 on Thursday (June 16).

Welsh star Gareth Bale - the world's most expensive footballer to date - had used the word "passion" to question the spirit and commitment of his English counterparts in the build-up to their Group B clash.

It came back to haunt the Real Madrid forward, as his free-kick howitzer was not enough to prevent his team from falling to a defeat that left the group wide open.

Daniel Sturridge's last-gasp strike sparked delirium among long-suffering Three Lions fans, who were quick to remind Bale that passion was not exclusive to the Welsh camp.

It was no surprise that England assistant coach Gary Neville, known for his exuberant goal celebrations during his Manchester United playing days, was in the thick of the action.

Clearly, more than three points were at stake, judging by the reactions of former England internationals Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand in the BBC TV studio.

Former Wales striker John Hartson, seated to the left of Ferdinand, looked like Christmas had been cancelled.

Bale tweeted after the match that the result was "disappointing... but still all to play for".

Unsurprisingly, England supporters were quicker than Raheem Sterling in adding their two cents' worth of passionate comments.

One Wales die-hard epitomised the delight and dread felt by fans during the game.