Euro 2016 qualifiers: Gareth Bale and team-mates must keep calm

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Gareth BaleImage source, Huw Evans picture agency
Image caption,

Gareth Bale scored twice in Wales' opening Euro 2016 qualifying win over Andorra

Euro 2016 qualifier: Israel v Wales

Venue: Sammy Ofer Stadium. Haifa Date: 28 March, 2015 Kick-off: 17:00 BST

Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru and the BBC Sport website

Chris Coleman has told Gareth Bale and his Wales team-mates they must "keep calm" if they are to beat Euro 2016 rivals Israel.

Israel lead Group B with a 100% record while Wales are a point behind ahead of the game on 28 March.

Coleman has told Real Madrid's Bale to ignore the criticism he has received of late and keep calm in Haifa.

"The games we've had in this campaign he's been going into the red zone too early," he said.

"I'll say just keep calm because our bunch are right up for it and he's in the middle of that.

Media caption,

Wales not a one-man team - Coleman

"If anything I need to try to keep them a bit calm."

Coleman has also told BBC School Report that Bale will receive no special treatment while on international duty.

Bale, 25, has been the subject of some criticism in the Spanish media of late, but responded with two goals against Levante on Sunday.

He celebrated his first strike by covering his ears and kicking the corner flag in an apparent response to recent criticism.

The former Southampton and Tottenham player has been included in a squad which sees the return of Burnley striker Sam Vokes after recovering from a serious knee injury.

Fellow forward Simon Church is also included after overcoming a shoulder injury, but Wales will be without Hull City's James Chester.

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

James Chester will miss Wales' Euro 2016 in Israel as he recovers from a shoulder injury

Wales captain Ashley Williams says they can cope with the absence of fellow centre-back Chester in Haifa.

Chester has played each of the four qualifiers alongside Williams in the campaign so far, but will be missing in Israel after dislocating his shoulder in January.

Williams says Wales have strength in depth.

"I've enjoyed playing with him, whether it's me or James Collins, Sam Ricketts or Ben Davies," said the Swansea City defender.

"The boys who have come in have done so well that the whole squad feels comfortable and confident.

"So whichever two of us comes in we're confident we can get the work done."

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