BY TIM PARSONS
England came from behind to beat Wales 2-1 in a game that put them top of their group. England went behind in the first half, after Gareth Bale directed a free kick straight into the net in the 56th minute, leaving the England team speechless as to the manner of the goal. Football can be unpredictable, and all it takes is one good and effective shot to change the look of a game.
England needed to catch up and win or risk failing to progress from the group stage. They were unable to level things in the first half as English fans held their breath with desperate optimism. England needed to reverse what was heading for a disaster after England’s draw with Russia in their opening game. Raheem Sterling was taken off after a disappointing first half showing. Sterlings career has been dogged with some controversy, as in the past he has been caught with laughing gas and illegal substances.
The second half produced the magic they needed. England manager, Hudgson, brought in Marcus Rashfird, Jamie Hardy, and Daniel Sturridge.
Hardy’s first real attempt on goal produced dividend in the 57th minute to keep both teams level. The battle for a lead between the two teams continued for the rest of the half. England was the stronger side with better quality, but in football relative strength and football isn’t good enough. Goals are what determine progress, so whilst the game was level on scores, England’s fate remained in the balance.
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That balance changed when Daniel Sturridge produced the winning goal in the second minute of injury time. That goal Secured a much needed victory of 2-1 for England, putting the Three Lions on top of Group B. The winning goals sent fans in the packed Stade Felix Bollaert-Delelis in Lens into scenes of jubilation.
It was quite interesting that both substitutes brought in the second round by Roy Hodgson, produced the key goals needed to make England a clear winner in this important game.
England is now set to come out of the group stages, and although this is not certified yet, it is more than likely the case.
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