Having conceded a costly late goal in their previous game, Adam Lallana took extra satisfaction from the manner of England's last-minute winner over Wales at Euro 2016.

Daniel Sturridge’s dramatic strike had barely struck the back of the net before his Anfield colleague – by then withdrawn to the bench – was sprinting down the touchline to join the celebrations.

A second-half comeback had earned the Three Lions a crucial 2-1 result and drastically improved their prospects for the tournament, following an opening draw with Russia.

Lallana said post-match: “We said at half-time maybe we need to quicken things up a little bit, with a few more combinations. With a bit of patience, we were brilliant.

“We started well in the second half, got the goal, and we just kept plugging away and got the goal in the last minute. Off the back of conceding against Russia in the last minute, it was nice to get one in the last minute.

“These are the games you want to be playing in, representing your country at a major tournament.

“We said before the tournament kicked off that we are going to need all 23 men in the squad – and today just showed that. The manager made a couple of changes, and both got on the scoresheet and were a massive part in what is a huge win for us.”

England now top Group B and can confirm a spot in the knockout rounds of the competition with a draw or victory against Slovakia on Monday night.

The morale-boosting impact of Sturridge’s excellent finish has the squad in high spirits, though equally aware of the need to complete the job next week.

“England v Wales is a massive occasion but we wanted to do our talking on the pitch,” Lallana added.

“It’s still early days yet – we’re not sure if we’re through, Wales are not sure if they’re through. It was a great occasion and it’s nice to come out on top.

“It’s a great position to be in, four points with one game remaining, which is going to be tough. But now we’re full of confidence and can’t wait for Monday.”