Vardy, Sturridge lead England's rally

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.