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?
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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.
Gareth Bale walks the talk
The Real Madrid star had been quite vociferous in the run up to the game stating that England lack the desire and determination and even proclaiming that no English player was good enough to get into the Welsh side. The long-haired Welshman was setting the tone for the renewal of a historic rivalry. Having said so much, it was important for him to back up his bold words, with a great performance and he did.
Right from the start, there was a certain sense of urgency in Bale’s body language – something the English players were lacking in the first half. He added to his tally by netting his second freekick of the tournament. From around 30 yards out, the Real Madrid man managed to get the ball over the wall and past England goalkeeper Joe Hart to make it 1-0. It was a world-class strike from a world-class player.
The offside debate goes England’s way
England equalised in the 55th minute with Jamie Vardy tapping in what initially looked like an offside. However, as replays suggested, it was the Welsh and Swansea City captain who played him onside. Right after the goal, there were protests from the Welsh players and manager Chris Coleman, all of whom were convinced that Vardy was offside. A closer look though proved them wrong.
When the ball was crossed in by Daniel Sturridge, Vardy was actually onside. Subsequently, though, he was offside. In fact, he was miles offside. But then, Sturridge’s cross was met by Ashley Williams and the ball fell to the eventual goal scorer. If the ball had been headed by an English player, surely the goal would not have counted. It is highly unlikely though that the Welsh fans will agree with the referee’s decision. Either way, England had their equaliser.
The substitutes guide England home
Roy Hodgson’s substitutions at half time did the trick as both Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge scored to ensure a 2-1 win for the Three Lions. Vardy was sharp as he latched on to a gift from the opposition to make it 1-1. Late on, Sturridge worked his way past the Welsh defence and sealed the win for England. Apart from the goals, both these players delivered a good performance. Vardy was a constant menace to the Welsh defence especially Ashley Williams who had great trouble in dealing with him. Sturridge was also in rare form, as he employed his skills and trickery, ensuring he was a constant threat to Chris Coleman’s side. His partnership with Dele Alli eventually led to the goal.
Even new-boy Marcus Rashford, who broke Wayne Rooney’s record for the youngest English player to play in the Euros, had a decent outing showing signs that have made him a cult hero at Old Trafford. With his substitutes shining, Roy Hodgson has a problem on his hands with regard to his starting eleven in the next game.
What happened to Wales?
Wales came into the game brimming with confidence after their 2-1 win over Slovakia. This time around, apart from the likes of Gareth Bale and Joe Allen, no one really made a mark. Arsenal man Aaron Ramsey was disappointing, and had a game to forget and Hal Robson-Kanu cut a lone figure up front. To be fair to the striker, though, the service was lacking.
So what went wrong for Wales? To begin with, the players seemed to be overwhelmed by the occasion. It was indeed a big game. Further, post the goal, Chris Coleman’s men hardly attacked. In the second half it was all one-way traffic and Wales eventually could not hold on. The next game against Russia is huge for Wales as a loss could send them crashing out after such a promising start.
