Rio Ferdinand and Alan Shearer hail Hodgson’s ‘brilliant’ substitutions as Vardy and Sturridge snatch England victory over Wales
Boss saluted for his swift action after the dominant Three Lions break Welsh hearts and sneak to the top of Group B
RIO FERDINAND and Alan Shearer hailed Roy Hodgson's 'brilliant' substitutions as Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge took England back from the brink.
The Three Lions' replacement strikers poached victory and top spot in Group B after overturning Gareth Bale's long-range free-kick opener for Wales.
Former England defender Ferdinand said: "You have to give Roy Hodgson credit for the substitutions. I've criticised him in the past over this but this time he brought on the right players at the right time.”
And ex-Three Lions striker Shearer added: "It was much better second half. Roy did what he had to do, he gambled and brought the subs on. It’s a brilliant decision.
"I said at half-time Roy Hodgson's neck was on the line so he was within his rights to tell those who started that their time was up and put new people on.
"He put more bodies up front.. When you bring subs on they have to make an impact and the two guys have done that. They deserved it.
Jamie Vardy revels in the leveller that sparked a big victory for Roy Hodgson and his men
"England stretched them a bit more, we got bodies into the box and the guys that came on produced."
Fellow pundit Martin Keown claimed: "Daniel Sturridge is probably the most naturally gifted striker in the team. He was sat on the bench, Roy Hodgson put him on and he did the business."