Wales were forced to play in their away kit due to England's red socks

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Euro 2016: Why Wales were forced to play in away kit despite facing England’s bright-white Three Lions strip during thrilling clash

Fans were puzzled as Chris Coleman's men took the field wearing black instead of traditional red outfits in Lens

Anthony Chapman

Published: 0:01, 17 Jun 2016
Updated: 1:47, 17 Jun 2016

WALES were forced to play in their away kit in Lens — because of England’s socks!

Their famous red shirts would not have clashed with England’s white kit.

Wales were forced to play in their away kit due to England's red socks — Wales were forced to play in their away kit due to England's red socksCredit: Getty

England were able to play in their usual white kit as Uefa's designated home team — England were able to play in their usual white kit as Uefa's designated home teamCredit: Getty

But the new-look Three Lions strip has red socks — just like the Welsh. So as the ‘away’ team, Uefa made Wales switch.

Fans were clearly bemused at the sight of Chris Coleman’s men lining up in an unfamiliar black strip.

But the Wales boss thought his luck was in when Gareth Bale put his side ahead with a stunning free-kick before half-time.

Bale has now scored set-pieces in two games but it was not enough to prevent England from staging a thrilling fightback.

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What happens now in Group B? How England and Wales can seal a place in the second round

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Wales' black kit couldn't help them hang on to their lead against England — Wales' black kit couldn't help them hang on to their lead against EnglandCredit: Getty

Jamie Vardy got England back on track in the second half with a poacher's effort — Jamie Vardy got England back on track in the second half with a poacher's effortCredit: Getty

Boss Roy Hodgson hauled ineffective duo Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling off at the break, with Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge their replacements.

And England were soon back on track thanks to a real poacher’s effort from Vardy, who has now scored four goals in his last five international matches.

But the Three Lions were far from done, with Sturridge grabbing a deserved winner in the 91^st minute to make up for the result against Russia and move England one step closer to a place in the knockout stages.

Daniel Sturridge secured the win for England with a well-taken goal in the 91st minute — Daniel Sturridge secured the win for England with a well-taken goal in the 91st minuteCredit: Getty

Roy Hodgson's men can secure top spot in Group B with a win over Slovakia — Roy Hodgson's men can secure top spot in Group B with a win over SlovakiaCredit: Getty

Wayne Rooney and Co can now guarantee top spot in Group B with a win against Slovakia on Monday.

But a draw would also be enough if Wales fail to beat Russia on the same day.

And Coleman’s side will crash out of the Euros if they lose and Slovakia gain at least a point against England.

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