Vardy, Sturridge lead England's rally

By Team Asianet NewsableFirst Published Jun 16, 2016, 2:44 PM IST
Highlights


Daniel Sturridge's stoppage time strike proved the difference as England rallied to defeat Wales 2-1 in a thrilling Euro 2016 Group 'B' game in Lens on Thursday.
 

#Eng 2-1 #Wal: Sturridge leaves it late as England come from behind. @DTguardian's report https://t.co/Ch2KOZJTHj pic.twitter.com/Dere21O87a

— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) June 16, 2016


After conceding the lead following a Gareth Bale freekick in the dying moments of the first half, England equalised through substitute Jamie Vardy, before Sturridge's decisive toe-in took them to the top of their group.
 

MS | İngiltere 2 - 1 Galler #ENGWAL
Goller: (56' Jamie Vardy - 90+2' Daniel Sturridge / 42' Gareth Bale) pic.twitter.com/mC72uwQDrS

— Spor Gündemi (@sporgundemi01) June 16, 2016

England could have gone ahead as early as in the seventh minute when a perfect cross from Adam Lallana on the right - off a Harry Kane-initiated move - was booted over the bar by a sliding Raheem Sterling.
 

#EURO2016 #ENGWAL
No Vardy, no party! 🎉💃#ENG pic.twitter.com/viygCTZmCZ

— UEFA EURO 2016 (@EURO2016) June 16, 2016

Bale was barely in action in the initial stages but more than made up in the closing moments of the first half, his left foot curling in a freekick into the left not-quite-the-corner of the net.

England trailed at the interval, but as Sturridge and Vardy replaced Sterling and Kane on resumption, there was an immediately noticeable upping in intensity.
 

Emotional stuff.... #ENGWAL

Into the last five. https://t.co/UtkTdUvqSS pic.twitter.com/QLake8xZEf

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 16, 2016

The goal-hungry Vardy prowled the penalty area and 11 minutes into the second half, he got his desire - a loose ball in the box. A swivel and a shot and England were level, an unintentional touch from Williams preventing an offside call.

The phase that followed was played almost entirely in the Welsh half, as England thoroughly dominated. 

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