Rooney’s game intelligence, vision and passing range saw him impress in the 1-1 draw against Russian Federation and Thursday’s Group B clash with Wales, when the captain’s experience helped England secure a dramatic 2-1 comeback win.
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England went on to win the game 2-1 thanks to goals from second half substitutes Jamie Vardy and a 91st minute victor from Daniel Sturridge.
An injury-time strike from Daniel Sturridge sealed the victory in Lens after Jamie Vardy had cancelled out a first-half free-kick from Gareth Bale. “But the goalkeeping area is something that was very strong for us in the past when we had the likes of Gordon Banks, Peter Shilton and Ray Clemence”. “We are in a good position and we will hopefully go out there and get some points”.
“The tournament is not over yet”.
Reflecting on the loss, Bale said that the tournament was not over yet and vowed to go into their last game with even more strength, the Mirror reported.
Wales’ Gareth Bale (11) celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Euro 2016 Group B soccer match between England and Wales at the Bollaert stadium in Lens, France, on June 16, 2016.
Chris Coleman’s side would win the group if they beat Russian Federation and England were to lose to Slovakia.
Super-subs Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Vardy were elated after stepping off the bench to help England overhaul Wales and move within touching distance of the Euro 2016 knockouts.
Wales coach Chris Coleman, happy with a point after earning a late victory in the first match, removed striker Hal Robson-Kanu, whose goal had beaten Slovakia and who had done his job here in holding the ball up when given a chance to get on it.
Wales could also qualify as one of four best third-placed teams.
Wales goalscorer Bale insisted his men are down but not out as they look ahead to the crucial final group game against Russian Federation.
Captain Wayne Rooney appeared to be the new incumbent of the team’s lucky mascot “Leo the Lion” as the England captain left the team bus clutching the cuddly toy closely to his chest – accompanied by players including Sturridge, Vardy, Joe Hart and man-of-the-match Kyle Walker.
“We knew if it wasn’t a great result today, (but) we are still in the thick of things”.
“If I had been watching from afar and not been with England and watching Wales play some other opponent I would have felt very sorry for them but they will have to excuse me not feeling sorry for them because I want to be pleased with ourselves”.
Lewandowski, who was the leading scorer in qualifying with 13 goals, failed to hit the target again, but Poland manager Adam Nawalka stressed he was unconcerned about his star player’s inability to net so far.
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“We’re not asking for any favours, we’ve got to take care of business”. There were times when Germany took the initiative, but we gave them that consciously, to allow us space to hit them on the counter attack.
