Match-winner Daniel Sturridge lauds atmosphere in Lens

Thursday 16 Jun 2016
Daniel Sturridge wheels away in delight after his dramatic winner

Daniel Sturridge hailed England’s incredible support after his last-gasp winner against Wales sent the Three Lions to the top of Group B at UEFA Euro 2016.

The Liverpool forward and Leicester striker Jamie Vardy replaced Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane at half-time with England trailing to Gareth Bale’s 40-yard free-kick.

And Vardy drew Roy Hodgson’s men level from close range 11 minutes into the second period before Sturridge left the traveling England fans in Lens in euphoria after prodding home a minute into added time.

England 2-1 Wales

UEFA Euro 2016
Group B
Thursday 16 June
Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens

He said: “It’s a brilliant feeling. It’s crazy, it’s only one more game in the group and nobody wants to get too excited but the atmosphere here is unbelievable.

“There aren’t too many games you experience an atmosphere like this. And the togetherness as well between the two countries is an amazing feeling.”

Hodgson’s men dominated possession in the second half with Sturridge, Vardy and fellow substitute Marcus Rashford adding fresh impetus to England’s attack.

England face Slovakia on Monday night knowing a win will seal their place in the last 16.

And Sturridge added: “It’s great help the boys win the game.

“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.

"Hopefully now we can go through but the next game against Slovakia is important.”

By Mark Gilbert Head of Editorial Content