Gareth Bale hooked at half-time after just EIGHT touches despite Wales needing winner in England clash at World Cup

GARETH BALE was hooked off at half-time in Wales’ crunch clash with England.

The former Real Madrid star scored the Dragons’ only goal of the tournament so far when he converted a penalty in the draw versus USA.

AlamyGareth Bale was taken off after 45 minutes[/caption]

GettyHe was seen with an ice pack on his leg[/caption]

Bale’s touch map shows how he did not impact the game

But the 33-year-old was not at his best against England, who lead 3-0, and was replaced by Brennan Johnson.

Bale may have been taken off due to injury after he was seen holding lower leg and calf towards the end of the first period.

On the bench during the second half the Welshman was pictured clutching an ice pack.

He only touched the ball EIGHT times in the match.

In those eight touches he lost the ball five times.

He completed four passes completing just one – Bale also failed to have a shot.

But him coming off is a huge surprise with Wales needing a moment of magic as they attempt to avoid going home.

So often it has been their star man saving them popping up at crucial times with bits of quality.

But Wales had to rely on their other players to make it through to the knockout stages with no luck.

After the LAFC attacker was taken off England ran away with the game thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden.