SUBSTITUTES Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Vardy spoiled Wales’ party but Chris Coleman’s men know their Euro 2016 destiny is still in their own hands despite injury-time heartache against England in Lens.

Gareth Bale backed up his big talk in the build-up with another spectacular free-kick to give Wales an unlikely lead three minutes before the break.

But Vardy levelled for England with a scrappy finish 11 minutes after replacing Harry Kane at the start of the second half.

And, just as it looked like Wales had secured a hard-earned point, their resistance was finally broken in in the first minute of stoppage time as fellow sub Sturridge poked the winner beyond Wayne Hennessey.

It was tough on Wales after a dogged display but Roy Hodgson’s men created the better chances and fully deserved the win that takes them top of Group B.

Wales are second on three points ahead of their decisive clash with Russia in Toulouse on Monday night and still have every chance of extending their stay in France.

But they were dreaming of a famous victory after another moment of Bale brilliance in the first half.

It came after Wayne Rooney brought down Hal Robson-Kanu, back in the starting XI in place of Jonny Williams, three minutes before the break to give the Real Madrid star his first real sight of the England goal.

Stood over the ball 35 yards out there should have been little danger for Joe Hart.

But as the ball dipped and swerved towards the bottom corner the England goalkeeper could only push it against the post and watch in agony as it rebounded into the net.

Like the late Russian equaliser in Marseille, England will have felt hard done by having dominated the half in terms of possession and chances created.

Hodgson’s young team attacked Wales from the off with gusto but, for all their dominance, they failed to really test Hennessey in the first 45 minutes.

Raheem Sterling should have eased any early English nerves inside the first 10 minutes but his shot from Adam Lallana’s right wing cross cannoned off his ankle and off target.

Shortly afterwards Bale broke into the box at pace and won a corner when his shot was blocked but the opening stages were all England.

Rooney blasted over the bar from distance and Kane followed suit with a woeful free-kick.

Wales were giving away too many fouls around the box and, when Ledley was adjudged to have brought down Danny Rose, England again went close to breaking the deadlock.

Gary Cahill got on the end of Rooney’s cross after appearing to foul Ashley Williams but his header was comfortably held by Hennessey on the line.

England also felt they should have had a penalty when the ball appeared to hit the hand of Ben Davies in the box but German referee Felix Brych saw nothing untoward.

Chris Smalling then outjumped James Chester to get to a corner but his header was just wide at the back post before Bale’s brilliance punished England’s profligacy.

Hodgson had to go for it in the second half and he made a double change with Vardy and Daniel Sturridge replacing Kane and Sterling.

Hennessey did well to push a Rooney curler behind as the Welsh defence prepared for an onslaught.

They couldn’t hold out for much longer and substitute Vardy hooked in the equaliser from an offside position after the ball fell perfectly to him off the head of Ashley Williams.

England, their fans at full volume, suddenly looked rampant and Hennessey had to be alert to punch clear from Vardy before Sturridge wasted two good opportunities.

Hodgson threw on Manchester United teenager Marcus Rashford as he went for the jugular.

And, despite some valiant defending from Ashely Williams and teammates, they could not hold out for the draw that would have put them on the verge of the last-16.

The winner came after a stumble from Newport’s Chris Gunter blocked Hennessey’s view and Sturridge somehow found the bottom corner.

His trademark dancing celebration was like a dagger to the heart for Wales but they live to fight another day.

Wales: Hennessey, Taylor, Davies, A. Williams, Chester, Gunter, Ledley (Edwards, 67), Allen, Ramsey, Bale, Robson-Kanu (J. Williams, 71)

Booked: Davies

England: Hart, Rose, Cahill, Smalling, Walker, Dier, Alli, Rooney, Sterling (Sturridge, 46) Lallana (Rashford, 73), Kane (Vardy, 46)

Referee: Felix Brych (Germany)

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