England fans celebrate in Lens
Photo: Denise McCooey
England 2 : 1 Wales
Daniel Sturridge scored in stoppage time to give England a 2-1 win over Wales. England were by far the better side on the day, Wales having chosen the wrong day not to show up. The white shirts dominated possessiveness but trailed at half time due to a Gareth Bale free kick.
Jamie Vardy who came on as a half time substitute along with Sturridge had equalised for England 11 minutes into the second half.England move to 4 points with Wales and Slovakia on 3. Russia have 1.
England just need a point in their final match with Slovakia, although a loss may even be enough with the best four 3rd placed teams qualifying. Wales will probably need a win against the Russians although a high scoring draw may also be enough.
A Gareth Bale free kick just before half time gave Wales a lead after a first half in which they were second best. Despite plenty of possession, England hardly threatened Wayne Hennessey’s goal.
Wales player go over to than ktheir fans
Photo: Asif Burhan
Just before the interval though, England captain Wayne Rooney needlessly fouled Hal Robson-Kanu about 35 yards from goal. Gareth Bale fired the set piece in with Joe Hart diving late and consequently only getting weak fingertips to the effort.
Roy Hodgson made two changes at half time, introducing Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge. It paid off when Vardy equalised in the 56th minute . He was standing in an offside position but the ball last came off Welsh defender Ashley Williams. The goal rightly stood
In stoppage time, Daniel Sturridge started and finished the move which brought England a deserved victory.
