Daniel Sturridge: Winner against Wales was unbelievable
'Unbelievable' – that's the word Daniel Sturridge used to describe the thrill of knocking in a stoppage-time winner for England against Wales on Thursday.
The Liverpool striker was introduced as a substitute for the second half of the Euro 2016 clash in Lens, where Gareth Bale had struck the opener from a free-kick.
But Sturridge, along with fellow goalscorer Jamie Vardy, helped to turn the tide of the Group B game and showed typically deft control and speed of thought to force a finish inside the near post with seconds remaining.
“[It was] a great feeling, unbelievable,” he said immediately after the final whistle.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity from the gaffer and grateful to God for allowing me to score. It’s a beautiful feeling to represent your country in a rivalry against another great country. It’s a brilliant feeling.
“It’s great to help the boys win the game. My brother has travelled over here, and my cousin, and for them to experience it with me – as well as the other travelling fans – is a great feeling. Hopefully now we can go through.”
The 2-1 result lifted the Three Lions to the top of the group and placed them in pole position to reach the knockout stages of the competition.
A draw or better in their final fixture, with Slovakia on Monday night, will see Roy Hodgson’s team safely through – and they have been buoyed by the occasion against Wales.
Sturridge said: “There’s one more game in the group, so no-one wants to get too excited and I’m not getting too excited.
“But the atmosphere is unbelievable. There are not many games [where] you experience an atmosphere like this, and the togetherness between the two countries is an amazing feeling.”
The 26-year-old has been on the bench for each of England’s matches so far but is hopeful that his decisive cameo can earn a start when they face Martin Skrtel’s country next.
“That’s the gaffer’s decision,” he said.
“My job is to go out there and perform the best I can in every game when I get the minutes. I’m grateful to God for giving me the opportunity, and also thanks to my family and the fans.”