Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge came off the bench to secure a win for England in their Euro 2016 second group game against rivals Wales.
Advertisement
England’s inability to build on the lead given to them by Eric Dier’s free-kick, meanwhile, could open the door for Daniel Sturridge or Jamie Vardy to come into the team in attack.
Then, 11 minutes after coming on, Sturridge and Vardy combined to put England level.
Carragher also said manager Roy Hodgson deserved credit for introducing both Vardy and Sturridge at half-time. It’s great. There’s one more game in the group to go so no one’s getting too excited but the atmosphere is unbelievable, and the togetherness between the two countries is awesome.
The game in the French city of Lens began with England the more desperate for a win after drawing their first match. “To experience this atmosphere and togetherness is an incredible feeling”.
Hodgson’s choice and timing of substitutions was criticized against Russian Federation on Saturday – England conceded a late goal to draw 1-1 – but he got it right at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, with Vardy and Sturridge making the desired impact.
Pushing forward for the win after a poor draw against Russian Federation in the opener, Sturridge kept tracking the ball after playing it at the top of the box, found a bit of space where it fell to him and made no mistake.
“My brother and cousin have travelled over here so for them to be here and experience it with me – as well as all of the other travelling fans – it’s a great feeling”.
England’s Euro 2016 campaign got off to a stuttering start against Russian Federation, making today’s “Battle of Britain” match against Wales even more vital.
They dominated possession but, as in Saturday’s opener against Russian Federation, were unable to turn it into clear-cut chances.
The Liverpool striker started the move himself on the edge of the area, playing the ball to Vardy who flicked it to Dele Alli and back into the path of Sturridge to prod beyond Hennessey at the near post.
“This is a tournament and there are such important points at stake here whereas all that was available to us when we played Scotland, for example, was the bragging rights”, he added. “Now we’ve got to go out and do it on the pitch”. “I think it comes with the way I play the game”.
Hodgson’s young side can ill afford a slip up against their neighbours after drawing 1-1 with Russian Federation in their opener.
“Obviously it’s massively disappointing but I’m very proud of everybody, we gave everything like we always do”, said the Real Madrid superstar.
England manager Roy Hodgson, left, and assistant manager Ray Lewington walk outside the team hotel in Chantilly, France, Monday, June 13, 2016.
Advertisement
He said: “Everyone wants to be part of the starting line-up but it’s a team game and there are 23 of us who all want to play”.
