Euro 2016: Daniel Sturridge 'grateful to God' after scoring winner against Wales

Daniel Sturridge has said he is "grateful to God" for his injury time winner in England's victory over Wales at the Euro 2016 championships.

England beat rivals Wales 2-1 to take the top spot in their group with one game to go before the knockout stages. The scoreline sat at 1-1 for most of the second half after Gareth Bale put Wales ahead before half time and Leicester hero Jamie Vardy equalised after 52 minutes.

England launched wave after wave of attack throughout the second half but had failed to score a winner when three minutes of injury time was added. Sturridge, who came on as a half-time substitute, wriggled through the Welsh defence in the dying minutes to seize the victory for England.

In his post-match interview Sturridge, who is a committed Christian, praised God for allowing him to score.

"It's a great feeling. Unbelievable," he told the BBC. "I am grateful for the opportunity from the gaffer.

"And I am grateful to God for allowing me to score."

Sturridge said he wasn't getting too excited by the prospect of qualifying for knock-out stages but said it had been a "brilliant feeling" to represent his country against Wales.

"The atmosphere was unbelievable. It is not many games you get an atmosphere like this. It is great to help the boys win the game."

The Liverpool striker has been outspoken about his faith. In the last world cup he celebrated a goal by mouthing the words "I love you Jesus, and I praise you father". He frequently talks about faith on social media and tweets Bible verses or pictures from church. When he won the Barclays Player of the Month in 2013 he celebrating by quoting Philippians 4.13.

Asked whether he hoped to gain a starting position for England after his goal, Sturridge said that was up to England manager Roy Hodgson.

He added: "I am grateful to God because I have huge faith in him."