Euro 2016: England 2-1 Wales: 5 talking points
A lot was said from both camps in the run up to this high voltage UEFA Euro 2016 clash with the likes of Gareth Bale and Jack Wilshere dominating the proceedings. Both sides began the game with the right frame of mind with England pressuring early on. However, it was their smaller neighbours who drew first blood with the world’s most expensive player Gareth Bale netting from a long-range freekick. England however, came right back into the game after half-time with Jamie Vardy netting what can well be termed as a controversial goal. Sturridge delivered with a neat finish late in the game as England ran out 2-1 winners.
We look at five key points from the match:
Why isn’t Jamie Vardy starting?
England manager Roy Hodgson faced a lot of criticism having not played Leicester forward Jamie Vardy in the game against Russia. It was widely believed that he would be starting against Wales. But that did not happen as Hodgson went ahead with Harry Kane and even Raheem Sterling and the latter missed an easy chance early on failing to convert a great cross from Adam Lallana. One would imagine that dad there been Jamie Vardy in his place, England would have taken the lead.
However, better late than never, as Vardy came on in the second half and within ten minutes put his country level. He displayed his sense of positioning and his sharpness as he ensured that England were back in the game. The in-form Leicester striker must surely start the last group football match against Slovakia.