Gareth Southgate hails England duo for 'making their decision work' after 'strengthening' against Wales
Gareth Southgate has praised two England players who 'stepped up' in the second half of their 3-0 win over Wales in the World Cup group stage.
Southgate made several changes for England's Group B final against Wales as Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Jordan Henderson and Kyle Walker entered their starting XI.
The Three Lions were frustrated in the first half as Wales prevented their opponents from taking the lead.
But England were strong in the second half. This was largely thanks to Rashford and Foden.
Rashford opened the scoring shortly after the restart as his well-taken free-kick flew into the net past Danny Ward.
It didn't take long for England to extend their advantage as two minutes later they were leading 2-0. Harry Kane skillfully sent the ball to Foden, who converted from close range.
Wales never appeared to make a comeback, but Rashford put the result beyond doubt with their second and England's third with twenty minutes remaining.
The Man Utd striker moved forward into the penalty area before his effort ended up in the net after the ball went through Ward's legs.
He finished 3-0 and the win puts England top of Group B with seven points. Wales meanwhile leave the competition after picking up just one point from three games.
In Tuesday night's other game, the United States beat Iran 1-0 to finish second in Group B. The United States will face the Netherlands in the round of 16 while England will face Senegal.
Southgate was quick to congratulate Rashford and Foden after his side's win as they "really stepped up".
"We had full control of the game in the first half but we didn't create enough clear chances," Southgate told reporters after the game (via BBC Sport).
"We were a bit off balance and thought we could switch the sides of Marcus and Phil. The players are making those decisions work.
"Watching a lot of games, the big players stepped up. And our strikers didn't do that in the first half but in the second half they really did.
"You need goals in all areas. It's a problem for the opponent if the threat comes from other areas of the pitch. It's a competition for places and people have to deliver.< /p>
"You can see with [Marcus Rashford's] club that there has been happiness in his performances. We have a completely different version of the player we had at the Euros last summer."
p>Rashford said after the 3-0 win that England could go far in the tournament.
"It's obviously a great feeling. We were disappointed as a team after the last game, we could have played a lot better. The only way to bounce back is to play better in your next game," said added Rashford.
"Moments like this, that's why I play football. I'm really happy today to start the next round of the tournament, because I have a huge ambition for this team and I think we can go much further."
READ MORE: England 3-0 Wales… Rating players as The Clamor works and Rashford thrives, but Henderson…
Gareth Southgate has praised two England players who 'stepped up' in the second half of their 3-0 win over Wales in the World Cup group stage.
Southgate made several changes for England's Group B final against Wales as Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Jordan Henderson and Kyle Walker entered their starting XI.
The Three Lions were frustrated in the first half as Wales prevented their opponents from taking the lead.
But England were strong in the second half. This was largely thanks to Rashford and Foden.
Rashford opened the scoring shortly after the restart as his well-taken free-kick flew into the net past Danny Ward.
It didn't take long for England to extend their advantage as two minutes later they were leading 2-0. Harry Kane skillfully sent the ball to Foden, who converted from close range.
Wales never appeared to make a comeback, but Rashford put the result beyond doubt with their second and England's third with twenty minutes remaining.
The Man Utd striker moved forward into the penalty area before his effort ended up in the net after the ball went through Ward's legs.
He finished 3-0 and the win puts England top of Group B with seven points. Wales meanwhile leave the competition after picking up just one point from three games.
In Tuesday night's other game, the United States beat Iran 1-0 to finish second in Group B. The United States will face the Netherlands in the round of 16 while England will face Senegal.
Southgate was quick to congratulate Rashford and Foden after his side's win as they "really stepped up".
"We had full control of the game in the first half but we didn't create enough clear chances," Southgate told reporters after the game (via BBC Sport).
"We were a bit off balance and thought we could switch the sides of Marcus and Phil. The players are making those decisions work.
"Watching a lot of games, the big players stepped up. And our strikers didn't do that in the first half but in the second half they really did.
"You need goals in all areas. It's a problem for the opponent if the threat comes from other areas of the pitch. It's a competition for places and people have to deliver.< /p>
"You can see with [Marcus Rashford's] club that there has been happiness in his performances. We have a completely different version of the player we had at the Euros last summer."
p>Rashford said after the 3-0 win that England could go far in the tournament.
"It's obviously a great feeling. We were disappointed as a team after the last game, we could have played a lot better. The only way to bounce back is to play better in your next game," said added Rashford.
"Moments like this, that's why I play football. I'm really happy today to start the next round of the tournament, because I have a huge ambition for this team and I think we can go much further."
READ MORE: England 3-0 Wales… Rating players as The Clamor works and Rashford thrives, but Henderson…
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