Friday 17 June 2016 15:01, UK
This was the game Roy Hodgson showed he had a 'Plan B' - and it worked.
Credit where credit is due. Hodgson made his move early in Thursday's Euro 2016 Group B clash in Lens, introducing Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge at half-time.
Other managers may have been tempted to wait until the hour mark. Instead, Hodgson gambled, and it paid off as the substitutes scored in a 2-1 win.
Vardy had looked desperate to make his tournament debut, so it was no surprise when he seized his chance on 56 minutes to equalise. Now Hodgson has a dilemma - does he start with Vardy against Slovakia in Saint-Etienne on Monday night? It's a nice problem to have, and the answer is probably yes.
Sturridge, too, was keen to make an impression, wasting no opportunity to unleash a shot on goal. The speed of his feet in scoring the winner was breathtaking. He is too good for just cameo roles, but can he cope with a series of 90-minute games?
Hodgson will have to manage that, but Sturridge's first England goal since the 2014 World Cup was as welcome as it was timely.
Bringing on Marcus Rashford was another wise move. Adam Lallana has been terrific at this tournament - his work rate is second to none - but Hodgson knows he also has to protect him. So the youth and energy of Rashford was great to see; plus he now has some major tournament experience too.
Does Hodgson know his best eleven? Maybe, maybe not. Either way, it does not matter, because of the number of game-changing players he has at his disposal.
Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling made way this time, but next time it could be them who are the impact subs making all the difference.
Elsewhere, will Roy be tempted to make any other changes for Slovakia? Only if he judges someone may need a temporary rest. Jack Wilshere, for example, will be raring to go; likewise, Jordan Henderson. What is evident is that England's bench provides plenty of options - and that will be crucial at this tournament.
Finally, the scenes of celebration after Sturridge's goal also showed just how much pride and passion these England players have when playing for their country. Wales take note.
