World Cup: Rashford play as England sink Wales to prepare Senegal for round of 16

England booked a World Cup last-16 clash against Senegal as Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden inspired a 3-0 win over Wales that sent their neighbors out of the tournament on Tuesday.

Gareth Southgate’s side sealed top spot in Group B thanks to key contributions from Rashford and Foden after they were reinstated in the squad by the England manager.

Foden showed why he had been clamoring for his departure by winning the free-kick which Rashford converted to break the deadlock early in the second half at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Doha.

Foden doubled England’s lead seconds later to end the one-sided ‘Battle of Britain’ and Rashford struck again to ensure Wales’ first World Cup since 1958 ends by disappointment.

With Foden and Rashford providing the missing vanguard in their previous game – a goalless draw against the United States – England have won for only the second time in their last nine games.

A stormy first half showed the Three Lions still had room for improvement as they chased a first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.

But the ruthless way in which they demolished Wales after the break gave encouragement ahead of Sunday’s showdown with second-placed Group A Senegal.

“I thought we had full control in the first half, but we didn’t create enough clean chances. We just thought that by swapping positions of the wingers we might have the chance to get them out. from the line. Phil did it really well for the free kick,” Southgate said.

“You need goals in all areas. Of course, it’s a problem for opposing teams if the threat comes from other areas.

While England fans regard Germany and Scotland as their main rivals, Wales have never hidden how much they like to show off to their hated neighbours.

The Wales squad were famously filmed celebrating England’s embarrassing Euro 2016 exit against Iceland, while Welsh striker Kieffer Moore recently said he would love to knock the England side out. World Cup.

With those slights in mind, condemning Wales to elimination was a welcome bonus for England.

But more importantly, they eased the angst that had set in since being booed after USA’s lethargic stalemate that followed their 6-2 rout of Iran in the group opener. .

Wales manager Rob Page said: “We have to put things into perspective. We don’t have the players that England have. It’s an incredible achievement to be here.

England Dam

Rashford, one of Southgate’s four substitutions, had a golden opportunity to give England an early lead when he pounced on Harry Kane’s pass but took too long to fire and Danny Ward left his line to save.

Unable to put a glove on England, Wales barely managed to get out of their own half as Southgate’s men monopolized possession for long stretches without producing the breakthrough.

Criticized for his performance in the loss to Iran, Wales captain Gareth Bale came on as a substitute at half-time with a hamstring problem.

Within six minutes of the restart, Bale’s absence was rendered useless by England’s rapid-fire barrage.

Southgate had said he feared Foden would feel under pressure after the appeals for his selection, but he need not worry after Manchester City’s precocious playmaker.

Foden was the catalyst for England’s opener as he moved forward to earn a 50th-minute free-kick which Rashford brilliantly curled into the far corner of Ward’s goal 25 yards out.

Suddenly England were pressing with more energy and they pounced again 60 seconds later when Rashford forced Wales to give up the ball and Kane’s low cross hit Foden, who headed home at the far post.

Moore tried to save Wales with a dunking effort which Jordan Pickford saved well, but Rashford delivered the knockout blow with his third goal of the tournament in the 68th minute.

Kalvin Phillips’ long pass sent Rashford down the right flank and, with the hapless Welsh defense backing away, the Manchester United striker cut inside before planting a low shot into Ward’s legs.

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