"We were thinking about Gareth Bale," Hodgson said

England manager Roy Hodgson says he had been hoping to use Thursday's friendly with Portugal as a dress rehearsal for dealing with Wales winger Gareth Bale.

But Portugal will be without Bale's club-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been granted time off after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid.

Hodgson thought facing Ronaldo would be good preparation for facing Bale.
Bale, the world's most expensive player, scored seven goals in qualifying as Wales reached a major finals for the first time in 58 years.

Wales and England meet in Lens on 16 June in Group B, which also contains Slovakia and Russia.

England, who begin their Euro 2016 campaign against Russia on 11 June, have beaten Turkey and Australia in their previous warm-up games.
"We were thinking about Gareth Bale," Hodgson said when he explained why Portugal had been chosen as opponents.

"When we thought Portugal, we were thinking not only about their technical qualities and the fact they are a very good football team, but they also have a special individual."
"I've been able to use quite a lot of players in those two games and we expect another tough test," said Hodgson ahead of the Wembley clash with Portugal.

"If we can get through that test and come away satisfied with what we've done and I can be satisfied with what I've seen, then I'd have to say the three preparation games have served their purpose."

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