Stade Bollaert-Delelis Group B
England 2-1 Wales
Gareth Bale 42’
Jamie Vardy 56’
Daniel Sturridge 90+2
England was still searching for their first win in the 2016 European Championship after a dominating performance against Russia ended in a 1-1 draw.
Wales started their European Championship with a 2-1 win over their fellow debutant Slovakia. Slovakia was currently sitting on top of Group B after winning their second match against Russia.
The winner of this match would move to the top of Group B table.
In football, Wales are seen as the little brother to England. Most Welsh fans wouldn’t want the use of ‘little’ and this was a game to make their statement.
England started off the match like any team in need of a win. They pressed for a goal, while Wales sat back and soaked in the pressure because they were very much aware that a draw was enough to take them to the top of Group B.
Against the run of play, Wales was a goal up in the 42nd minute. Gareth Bale was at it again with a second free kick goal in as many matches in the 2016 Euro. Joe Hart could have done better and saved his team from going into half-time a goal down.
Substitution was a major key in the outcome of this match.The two half-time substitutes were the two goal scorers for England.
England made half time changes and replaced Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane with Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge. Maybe the two men should have started the match.
Wales started off the second half with the same mentality as the first, sit back and soak in the pressure and look for a counter. Daniel Sturridge control on the ball and his movement,l opened up Welsh back line in ways that England could not in the first half.
Getting in attacking position, and forcing his way behind defenders is the trademark of Jamie Vardy, and it was no surprise that after 12 minutes in the match, he scored England’s first goal outside a set piece in this competition. 57th minute and it’s 1-1 and Wales needed a new plan, as sitting back was getting tedious as England was pressing aggressively and moving the ball quickly.
The quality of England was shown in the second half.
Robson-Kanu was quiet for Wales most of the match. He was replaced by Jonathan Williams who brought in extra energy to Welsh offense and was close to getting Wales back ahead.
England was looking at another draw, and this was not part of the plan. The 2016 Euros has been all about the late shows.
An extra time goal from Daniel Sturridge broke the hearts of Wales. A last push for a win was rewarded when Sturridge toe-poked the ball to beat Hennessy, who had been in fine form all games.
England will face Slovakia, and Wales moves on to face a desperate Russian team. Russia is the only team in Group B without a win.
This is the current Group B table.
| Group B | |||||||
| Team | Played | Win | Loss | Draw | GF | GA | Points |
| England | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Wales | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Slovakia | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Russia | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
