Following their goalless draw with Slovakia in Saint-Etienne on Monday night, England finished the group stage with just one win from their three games and finished second behind Wales.
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Despite a win against Wales in Group B, draws against Russian Federation and Slovakia meant Roy Hodgson’s men had to settle for second place in the section, behind Chris Coleman’s side.
Wales guaranteed their place in the last 16 by beating Russian Federation 3-0 in Toulouse on Monday night, Bale sealing victory with his third goal in as many games to become the tournament’s top scorer.
“I suppose that would have been ideal for us to play more local but I think it’ll be exactly the same feeling if we play further away”, Clyne said.
“I think tonight the changes [were] probably brought on from [a need for] freshness but also the confidence he has in the team and the confidence we have that he can make the changes without altering the performance”, he added.
“They were awesome and I just hope we can keep giving them reasons to celebrate”. It wasn’t to be.
England are still unbeaten, having won one and drawn two of their games so far, but they have scored just three goals.
They will meet Group F’s second-place side next – one of Portugal, Hungary, Iceland or Austria.
“It’s disappointing that we had all the play and had all chances around their box, I can’t deny that, but we have players who can score goals and will score goals”, he said.
“It’s not my job to tell the players what to do, they know what is expected of them and they’ve been great. I’m not frightened of anyone”.
“Against England [a 2-1 loss] the occasion maybe got to us, in possession”.
“I am in a new position in midfield and I am hoping it is a start of a new chapter of worldwide football”, he said.
And then their was right back Nathaniel Clyne, who proved Roy Hodgson had made the wrong call by starting Tottenham’s Kyle Walker in the first two games when he came in for the third and turned in a Man of the Match performance.
When asked whether it was a problem that he did not know his best starting XI, Hodgson replied: “We don’t have any problems with that”.
“Russia had little to play for, but we congratulate Wales on winning the group, that’s a good effort in their behalf”, he said.
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With their opponents still to be determined the potential for tactical work will be limited but after topping Group B after their easy 3-0 defeat of Russia Wales will not lack confidence.
