Carragher backs Sturridge & Vardy

But Vardy has shown great patience as well as an unquenchable thirst for more glory, and that is a quality that Hodgson will need much more of as this tournament progresses.

England labored. They struggled.

Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher has insisted that both Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Vardy should start against Slovakia on Monday night.

His team followed in the fight.

Roy Hodgson’s side trailed at half-time to Gareth Bale’s long-range free-kick, but three second-half substitutions paved the way for the Three Lions to claim victory.

“Big game today. Come on, the lads”.

I WAS PLEASED for Roy Hodgson that England managed to get past Wales on Thursday afternoon as for me, I think that overall when looking at his time in charge, he has done a great job.

England’s celebrations were manic at the corner flag, with goalkeeper Joe Hart racing the length of the field to join in.

Wales are now in second place heading into the final round of matches.

England trailed 1-0 to Wales at half-time, staring at a crisis.

England, more than most teams, needs positive moments. Now though, there’s evidence to the contrary. There will be a lot of players who will feel hard done by and feel they should have been selected.

UEFA also told Russian Federation that it would be disqualified if there was a repeat of their fans’ violent behaviour, which included attacks on England supporters in the stadium as the match ended. You sometimes find it hard to look beyond them.

Wales will be fine. We only see the game, but it’s how it affects the next days, and there will be an upbeat atmosphere.

“We’ve always felt like this before, this one a little bit more”. We know as a group of players we’re not just an 11 man team. Michael Owen in 1998, David Platt in 1990, perhaps even Geoff Hurst in 1966.

Should the Welsh side lose to Russian Federation then they will need England to beat Slovakia in order to remain in the tournament. Going forward, while raw, they’re oozing with talent.

Here are the key stats and facts behind a record-breaking victory for England…

You could see it in that scintillating first half against Russian Federation. That’s why this comeback was so important.

It was another excellent decision by the tournament officials, whose performances so far have earned rare appreciation from normally critical audiences.

“We dominated really from start to finish”.

Roy Hodgson could choose to deploy him instead of Raheem Sterling out on the wings as Vardy can punish defenses with his pace and tenacity.