England struck twice in the second half through substitutes Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge to secure a come-from-behind win over neighbours Wales.
The Battle for Britain at Euro 2016 lived up to its billing on Thursday. England came into the game under more pressure following their 1-1 draw against Russia in the opening game. The Three Lions desperately needed a win — not just for national pride, but also for three crucial points.
However, it was Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale who gave Wales the lead in the first half. Unfortunately for Chris Coleman’s side, Roy Hodgson’s substitutions at half-time worked like a charm, as both Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge found the back of the net to win the game for England.
For the first time, England won a game in a major competition after trailing at half-time. This stats speaks volumes about the past performances and expectations from England. The players were understandably jubilant after the dramatic victory.
Get in!!! #ENG #EURO2016 pic.twitter.com/ZcW2RJnZ14
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) June 16, 2016
What a win!!! Fans were incredible⚽️ we go again Monday #Eng
— Dele Alli (@Dele_Alli) June 16, 2016
What a win !!! Go again monday ??? pic.twitter.com/jPeIujTFMZ
— Nathaniel Clyne (@Nathaniel_Clyne) June 16, 2016
The most amazing feeling…..Fans were superb ?? #EURO2016 #england pic.twitter.com/kB6FUo5dM0
— Jamie Vardy (@vardy7) June 16, 2016
Buzzing with the win, can’t beat a last minute winner! Still work to be done… #Englandpic.twitter.com/ArLFyYDz4y
— Kyle Walker (@kylewalker2) June 16, 2016
Wales manager Chris Coleman was disappointed with the result, but accepted the fact that his team got caught up in the occasion and did not implement their game plan the way he wanted them to.
“The occasion got to us a little bit,” said the Wales boss according to the Daily Mirror. “The danger of this one being the middle match was everyone was looking at this – the Battle of Britain. You get caught up in it a little bit. We didn’t play like we can – we are better in possession normally.
“We were a bit rushed and rather than keeping the ball more we gave it back to England too many times. That is the only criticism I can make of my team and Bale was sometimes isolated.”
Meanwhile, Roy Hodgson was a relieved man after he came under heavy criticism for his team selection and tactics against Russia. Here’s what he had to say about the half-time substitutes (via Daily Star) : “We thought a lot about what the starting 11 should be but I didn’t want to start breaking eggs with a big stick. I thought I would keep one or two up my sleeve.
“I was kind of counting on us seeing out the first half and then making a change but the goal meant it was pushed on to me a bit. It was always in our thoughts to bring on Vardy and Sturridge and then bring on Wilshere or Rashford when we were looking for a goal.”
At the end of the day, the English fans left the stadium with a sense of pride and optimism.
@mailsport yes we won I knew think positive ans we do it and we did well done @Sturridge
— meliss/Mc (@melissJlster1) June 16, 2016
@WayneRooney Proper captains performance. Well done.
— Joe Ashley (@realjoeashley) June 17, 2016
@WayneRooney love the way u came to the camera to celebrate with the fans at home
— john h kershaw (@claret_jk) June 17, 2016
@GaryJCahill @MarcPiggins Well played lads, same again on Monday please :))
— Toonfan (@a1897taylor) June 17, 2016
@GaryJCahill @England and they say we have no passion COME ON ENGLAND !!!! #Proud
— Andrew (@Andysimo1988) June 17, 2016
@VauxhallEngland @England @DanielSturridge @vauxhall man of the last 2 mins fair enough but I agree with general consensus of Kyle Walker
— Stuart Ferguson (@stouffer84) June 17, 2016
