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Gareth Bale hauled off at half-time during Wales vs England at World Cup
Gareth Bale hauled off at half-time during Wales vs England at World Cup,Gareth Bale has been dramatically forced off at half-time during Wales' pivotal World Cup group clash against England, making way for talented youngster Brennan Johnson

Gareth Bale hauled off at half-time during Wales vs England at World Cup

Wales have been dealt a huge blow as Gareth Bale has had to be substituted at half-time during their crunch clash against England.

The Welsh legend made way for young prodigy Brennan Johnson at the halfway mark. Bale has started all three of Robert Page's side's World Cup matches and scored the vital penalty in their 1-1 draw against the USA.

However, his game and World Cup was cut short after only 45 minutes as he had injured his hamstring in the closing stages of the opening 45 minutes.

Read More: Wales' David Brooks smiles from the stands in Qatar after brave recovery from cancer

Bale has been forced off
Bale has been forced off (Image: Getty Images)

Ironically, there was some mystery that Page might start both Bale and Aaron Ramsey on the bench for the England match. "It's a big ask for anybody in this environment to go four days later," the Welsh boss said before the game.

"I'm going to pick a team that I think can go out and compete against England, whether that's with or without them. I'm not going to give that away.

"If they don't start, can they can make an impact? That's always been my dilemma playing games in quick succession.

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Johnson came on for the former Real Madrid star
Johnson came on for the former Real Madrid star (Image: Getty Images)

"If they start one game, can they start the next? My thought process won't be any different. Whether they come on and have an impact or start and last an hour or 90 minutes, they are talented footballers.

"We're all getting criticism now and rightly so because results aren't going our way and that's the industry we're in. We're big enough to take it – it's not a problem. We put our big boy pants on and get on with it."

However, Page decided to start both of the Welsh veterans for the 'Battle of Britain'. Unfortunately, Bale's second half absence would have likely thrown a huge spanner in the works.

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