Euro 2016: Super subs Vardy and Sturridge ensure England beat Wales

The script for the British derby was going topsy-turvy with Wales looking certain to upset England, but then the super subs took charge as England broke Welsh hearts 2-1 at the end of a pulsating Euro 2016 encounter.

Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Vardy came off the bench in place of Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane and made sure that Roy Hodgson's England held the bragging rights against Wales.

Daniel Sturridge, second from left, celebrates after scoring his side's winning goal during the Euro 2016 Group B match between England and Wales at the Bollaert stadium in Lens, France, on Thursday. Pic/AP/PTI

England looked almost down and close to out. But then coach Hodgson brought on the subs, including 18-year-old Marcus Rashford.

Sturridge's injury-time strike helped England secure a senstational win, as thrilling as it was important, over their British rivals.

Sturridge scored in the second minute of stoppage time and England snatched three vital points to go on top of the group standings.

The Three Lions' Group B match at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens saw England fall back after Gareth Bale's fine free-kick had given Wales a memorable lead.

Real Madrid star striker Bale capitalised on goalie Joe Hart's poor positioning with an outstanding 35-yard free-kick that sa the Welsh take an unexpected lead.

England may have gone into the break a goal down, but 11 minutes into the second half and Vardy reacted quickly in the box to score with just his third touch of the game.

England pushed hard for a winner but Wales were holding firm - resistance that was broken in stoppage-time as Sturridge struck home at the near post.

Bale headed wide in stoppage-time but there was to be no comeback in Lens.