Gareth Bale has revealed how a burger blow-out helped the Wales camp get over their England heartbreak.
Wales were within seconds of virtually securing their place in the knock-out stages of Euro 2016 on Thursday when Daniel Sturridge struck a stoppage-time winner in Lens.
But Wales have another chance to reach the last 16 when they play Russia on Monday — and Bale owned up to some unusual preparation ahead of the Toulouse showdown.
“After the England game we decided to go out for lunch as a group, the staff and players,” said Bale.
“We had a nice meal out, everybody. Get away from the hotel a little bit, a change of scenery — and burger and chips seems to have helped!
“Obviously we are eating very well at the hotel. But it’s nice to get a change and it lightens everyone’s mood.
“There was also a nice dessert — I had pancake Nutella.”
Spirits remain high in the Wales squad despite the crushing nature of their defeat to England, which leaves them with work to do to qualify.
David Cotterill posted a picture on his Twitter account of the Eiffel Tower he had constructed out of Lego, saying: “Room is bouncing tonight!!!”
Bale said: “He did send it into the [What’sApp] group yesterday. I was like ‘what is he doing?’
Wales were back on the training field on Saturday morning ahead of a game in which they probably need to draw to qualify.
Joe Ledley was among a full squad complement after the midfielder was forced to limp off against England midway through the second half.
Bale has already scored twice at Euro 2016 — trademark free-kick strikes against Slovakia and England — but he accepts Wales need to keep the ball better if he is to be an even greater threat.
“I can do better,” Bale said of his own form. “We’ve spoken about moving the ball better, and if we don’t keep the ball it’s difficult to do what I try to do best.
“But I couldn’t care if I perform my worst in every single game, the important thing for me is doing the best for my nation.
“It’s not about my performances, in my mind they don’t matter at all.
“It’s about the team, us getting to the next round. Individually, whether you score goals or win awards, it’s irrelevant.
“I’d take playing rubbish every single game if it meant we could go as far as we can.”
Bale was speaking to the media for the third time in France, saying he was happy as a senior player to “take away a bit of the stress for the other players.”
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