Bale – Wales’ one world-class player – had been kept quiet until his goal, with Raheem Sterling and Gary Cahill squandering close-range chances for England.
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“I picked the team on what I have seen and how I think people have played”, Hodgson said when quizzed about the Manchester City winger.
Sturridge and Vardy had both come on as second-half substitutes and were a tactical coup for England manager Roy Hodgson.
“The fashion we lost it was a bitter pill to swallow, but you have to get over it”.
England had fallen behind after Gareth Bale scored from a long-distance free kick in the 42nd minute.
Sturridge scored in the second minute of stoppage time and England snatched three vital points to go on top of the group standings.
A late goal from Daniel Sturridge sealed a 2-1 win for England.
Chris Coleman must now get his side refocused for their final group game against Russian Federation, with a place in the knockout stages very much in their own hands.
“It is incredible”, said Hodgson.
“But they will have to excuse me not feeling sorry for them because I want to be pleased with ourselves. 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 as well”. They intercepted the ball after some sloppy interplay from Wales and quickly broke, with Harry Kane slotting it off to Adam Lallana, who put in the flawless ball to a wide-open Raheem Sterling at the edge of the six-yard box. “It took some very good defending from the Wales back five to keep us out”.
A draw would be nearly certain to send Wales through but defeat, coupled with a Slovakia win or draw against England, would mean the end of their European Championship.
“Wherever we play our fans are nice and loud and sometimes they can be the 12th man”.
Based on his performance today, Jamie Vardy shone brightly and should rightfully earn his place back in the England starting 11. It’s certainly my best double substitution of these Euros, albeit after two games.
Captain Ashley Williams admitted that the players were hurting but says they can’t let it affect them against Russian Federation.
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The victory was a significant step towards the knockout stages for England, but it required drastic action from Roy Hodgson after Gareth Bale had given Chris Coleman’s side the lead.
