World Cup 2022: Wales reaching last 16 will be difficult

Bale said that qualification for the knockout stages of the World Cup will be difficult after Friday's 2-0 loss to Iran.

Robert Page's side must beat England in order to have a chance of progressing.

The defeat for Wales was sealed by two goals at the end of the game.

There's no other way to say it.

Wales' performance was described as "nowhere near the levels we've set" by manager Page.

There is only one outcome when there are a lot of off days. The changing room is hard at the moment, but we will be ready.

Bale couldn't make a difference against a rejuvenated Iran, who bounced back from their opening loss to England with a great performance.

Bale had the lowest touches of any outfield player who was on the field for the entire game and only managed one shot on goal.

Bale said it was difficult to go down to 10 men in the World Cup.

We need to pick ourselves up immediately. It will be difficult, but we need to beat England.

'Wales can't keep relying on Bale'

James Collins, a former Wales defender, said Bale's performance was not what he would have expected.

Los Angeles FC has only started two games in the United States for the former Real Madrid and Spurs forward.

He scored a late penalty for Wales in their opener against the USA.

Concerns are being raised about Wales'dependence on the 33 year old.

Collins said on the radio that we can't keep relying on Bale to dig us out of trouble.

He knows he hasn't done as well as we're used to, and we expect more.

If his name was not Bale, he would not play in the next game.

He didn't attempt to go past anyone. We know Bale from the past and he wasn't the same person.

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