Rashford impresses as England complete group stage with 3-0 win over Wales
Rashford impresses as England complete group stage with 3-0 win over Wales
England qualified for the Round of 16 of the World Cup with a convincing 3-0 win over Wales.
Two goals for Marcus Rashford and a tournament opener for midfielder Phil Foden gave England fans reason to cheer on Tuesday night. They will now face Senegal in the second round on Sunday evening.
The match was almost anti-climactic as the Three Lions were still going to advance to the Round of 16, barring a complete disaster.
It was vital for Gareth Southgate and his cronies to give England fans a performance they can be proud of after a lackluster performance against USA on Friday.
Wales needed to win by four goals and either the USA or Iran needed a win in the other group game for England to be eliminated. It became clear early on that the Welsh would not offer much and the only question to be resolved was whether England would top the group or finish second.
Gareth Bale was taken off at half-time after picking up an injury. He was often the driving force that helped Wales win their first World Cup since 1958, but he looked uneasy throughout the 45 minutes.
Jordan Pickford had a very quiet evening in the England goal. The only time he struggled was when a shot from Joe Allen suddenly changed direction after deflecting Harry Maguire. The Everton keeper showed he was sharper than ever and quickly turned to push the ball away from danger.
Marcus Rashford started the game and his first chance came in the first half when he chased down a perfect pass from Harry Kane. The United star attempted to lift the ball past the fast-forward Williams, who came on for the suspended Wayne Hennessy, but the goalkeeper got in the way.
Rashford opened the deadlock five minutes into the second half with a fine free-kick from 25 yards out. The ball was left of center at the edge of the box and the striker lifted the ball over the wall and into the far corner of the net.
A minute later, England had doubled their lead with Phil Foden pulling off a fine move. Marcus Rashford ran to recover a stray ball in the Welsh final third and made a short pass to Harry Kane.
Kane took the ball from the boundary line on the right wing and crossed the ball perfectly through the goal. Foden made no mistake and put the ball in the back of the net.
Rashford added his second goal of the game on 68 minutes. After running a ball over the Welsh defence, Rashford cut inside the right wing, took a defender on the wrong foot and kicked the ball between Williams' legs.
The Three Lions now head into the second round and face Senegal on Sunday night. They are joined in the round of 16 by USA, who beat Iran with a single goal from Chelsea's Christian Pulisic.
England qualified for the Round of 16 of the World Cup with a convincing 3-0 win over Wales.
Two goals for Marcus Rashford and a tournament opener for midfielder Phil Foden gave England fans reason to cheer on Tuesday night. They will now face Senegal in the second round on Sunday evening.
The match was almost anti-climactic as the Three Lions were still going to advance to the Round of 16, barring a complete disaster.
It was vital for Gareth Southgate and his cronies to give England fans a performance they can be proud of after a lackluster performance against USA on Friday.
Wales needed to win by four goals and either the USA or Iran needed a win in the other group game for England to be eliminated. It became clear early on that the Welsh would not offer much and the only question to be resolved was whether England would top the group or finish second.
Gareth Bale was taken off at half-time after picking up an injury. He was often the driving force that helped Wales win their first World Cup since 1958, but he looked uneasy throughout the 45 minutes.
Jordan Pickford had a very quiet evening in the England goal. The only time he struggled was when a shot from Joe Allen suddenly changed direction after deflecting Harry Maguire. The Everton keeper showed he was sharper than ever and quickly turned to push the ball away from danger.
Marcus Rashford started the game and his first chance came in the first half when he chased down a perfect pass from Harry Kane. The United star attempted to lift the ball past the fast-forward Williams, who came on for the suspended Wayne Hennessy, but the goalkeeper got in the way.
Rashford opened the deadlock five minutes into the second half with a fine free-kick from 25 yards out. The ball was left of center at the edge of the box and the striker lifted the ball over the wall and into the far corner of the net.
A minute later, England had doubled their lead with Phil Foden pulling off a fine move. Marcus Rashford ran to recover a stray ball in the Welsh final third and made a short pass to Harry Kane.
Kane took the ball from the boundary line on the right wing and crossed the ball perfectly through the goal. Foden made no mistake and put the ball in the back of the net.
Rashford added his second goal of the game on 68 minutes. After running a ball over the Welsh defence, Rashford cut inside the right wing, took a defender on the wrong foot and kicked the ball between Williams' legs.
The Three Lions now head into the second round and face Senegal on Sunday night. They are joined in the round of 16 by USA, who beat Iran with a single goal from Chelsea's Christian Pulisic.
