Daniel Sturridge's late goal helped England see off Wales ©Getty Images

Substitute Daniel Sturridge scored a dramatic injury time winner as England beat fierce rivals Wales 2-1 at the UEFA European Championships in France.

The Liverpool striker fired home at the near post in the 91st minute to send the Three Lions top of Group B with two matches played.

It looked as if the Welsh would gain a shock victory when Real Madrid star Gareth Bale struck with a 42nd minute free-kick which England goalkeeper Joe Hart should have kept out.

Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, who like Sturridge was introduced from the bench by England boss Roy Hodgson at half-time, brought his side back into it with a close range finish.

The front-man was standing in an offside position but the goal stood as the ball found its way into his path via the inadvertent head of Wales captain Ashley Williams.

It was one-way traffic after that, with Wales surviving until stoppage time when Sturridge struck.

Gareth Bale's free-kick gave Wales the lead in Lens
Gareth Bale's free-kick gave Wales the lead in Lens ©Getty Images

The result means England lead the group with four points going into their final clash with Slovakia.

Wales, who would have qualified for the last 16 as group winners if they had won in Lens, are second on three, ahead of the Slovakians who have the same number of points.

Russia, who meet the Welsh in their final clash, are bottom on one point.

Bale's goal was his second successful free-kick of the Championships but England deserved their victory after dominating play and possession.

With Wales content to defend and get bodies behind the ball, Hodgson also deserves credit for the attacking changes he made at half-time after his side looked devoid of ideas in the opening 45 minutes.

In Group C, Northern Ireland stunned Ukraine with a 2-0 victory to keep alive their hopes of progression.

Gareth McAuley gave his side the lead with a 49th minute bullet header in a match that was briefly interrupted for hail in Lyon.

Both sides had lost their opening encounters, with Niall McGinn settling the game in Northern Ireland's favour with a close range finish deep into stoppage time.

In the other Group C match world champions Germany drew 0-0 with Poland, with both sides failing to fire.

Both won their opening matches and have now have four points, so are still well poised to qualify for the next round.