SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has urged England to go on the attack in their crunch Euro 2016 clash this afternoon.

England were held to a 1-1 draw by Russia in their opening fixture of the competition last weekend.

But Brown now wants to see Roy Hodgson’s side force themselves onto the opposition and is keen for Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy to come into the starting line-up.

“I think we need to go at Wales and I would definitely love to see Jamie Vardy starting,” said Brown.

“I would probably have started him against Russia but I would definitely bring him in for the game with Wales.

“I would still keep Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney in there though because I think we need to be more attacking and really have a go.

“I think we’re a stronger side than Wales and I’m not saying that just because I’m an Englishman.

“I think we’re the better team but we need to go out there and prove it now.”

Wales saw off Slovakia 2-1 in their first fixture with Gareth Bale and former Blues loanee Hal Robson-Kanu both on target.

And Brown believes they will be tough opposition for England.

“Wales are a good side and in Gareth Bale they have a real star who is a serious threat against any team,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“I think it will be a difficult game for England and there have certainly been a few mind games going on ahead of the match with Gareth Bale claiming none of our players would get into their team.

“I’m certainly not sure about that but it’s going to be an interesting game between two sets of players who all know each other very well.”

England head into the game second from bottom of the group after Slovakia’s 2-1 win against Russia yesterday afternoon.

But Brown was quite impressed by how the Three Lions performed in their first group game.

“Obviously at the end of the game there was that familiar feeling of frustration and disappointment you tend to associate with England but the actual performance wasn’t too shabby,” said Brown.

“I know people questioned the substitutions a little bit and I would certainly have liked to have seen Vardy come on and use his pace.

“But do you need to bring on another striker when you’re already 1-0 up or do you really need to change one when you’re trying to see the game out? Probably not.

“However, I still think that could turn out to be an important point for England come the end of the group stages.

“But we need the win today.”