Euro 2016: Gareth Bale believes teams will take Wales seriously after semi-final run fills side with confidence

Bale believes the confidence and respect generated from reaching the semi-finals sets Wales up perfectly for their 2018 World Cup qualification campaign

Gareth Bale believes Wales's Euro 2016 campaign will see them respected more by their rivals (Getty)

Gareth Bale has said that the Wales team and players will be more respected in the future because of their extraordinary Euro 2016 and that they will be an even better side when they launch their World Cup qualifying campaign in September.

The Wales players were desolate as they left the Stade de Lyon stadium late on Wednesday night, nearly two hours after their 2-0 defeat by Portugal, and the long time they spent in the dressing room seemed to reflect the desire to savour all that they had done.

Bale was more able than others to articulate confidence in the team's ability to use their newfound confidence in the World Cup campaign which sees them play home to Moldova and then away at Austria and Georgia in September.

Bale said: "We can be a better side from it. We've grown in confidence, we've grown in stature and I think we'll be more respected. We said all along we didn't just want to qualify for this tournament we want to qualify every time. The hunger is there, the spirit is there and we'll take all the positives from this and go into the next campaign trying to do it again."

The Football Association of Wales have announced a homecoming event at Cardiff City Stadium from 17.15 on Friday, where it is likely Bale will address thousands of fans. Around 20,000 had been expected to be at the stadium to watch last night's game.

Bale said he thought his own game could get better.

He said: "To be so close to the final and miss out is disappointing but we have to be proud. We have to be proud of what we've achieved. It hurts now because it's fresh but we've been on an amazing journey. The whole nation has enjoyed the journey as much as us and it's been amazing, incredible.

“Fans, staff, everyone. It's been one of those moments in your life we'll never forget and very special to all of us.

"Our hunger is there more than ever to get back. It hurts now but we've enjoyed it and we feel there's still a lot more to come. There are more improvements from us and come the World Cup qualifiers – which are not too far away – we'll get back to working hard and doing what do best.

"We always wanted to test ourselves against the best and I think we've done everybody proud – including ourselves. We can hold our heads high and give it a right go again."