AL-RAYAN, Qatar, Nov 29: Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden inspired England to take on Senegal in their World Cup last 16 clash as their neighbors crashed out of the tournament on Tuesday, inspired by a 3-0 win against Wales. .
Gareth Southgate’s side finished first in Group B thanks to key contributions from Rashford and Foden after being reinstated by the England boss.
Foden showed why there was so much noise for him to start after winning a free-kick to break the deadlock early in the second half at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium in Doha.
Foden doubled England’s lead seconds later, effectively ending a one-sided ‘Battle of Britain’, and Rashford struck again to end Wales’ first World Cup disappointment since 1958.
Foden and Rashford provided the cutting edge in their previous match – a goalless draw against the United States – as England won for just the second time in their last nine matches.
Chasing a first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup, the Three Lions still see room for improvement.
But the merciless manner in which they dismantled Wales after the break provided encouragement ahead of Sunday’s clash with Group A runners-up Senegal.
While England fans consider Germany and Scotland to be their main rivals, Wales have never hidden how much they enjoy getting one over on their hated neighbours.
The Wales squad were filmed celebrating England’s embarrassing Euro 2016 exit against Iceland, while Welsh striker Kiefer Moore recently said he would prefer England to be knocked out of the World Cup.
With those minor points in mind, condemning Wales to elimination was a welcome bonus for England.
But more importantly, they eased the anger that had risen after the United States’ languishing 6-2 thrashing of Iran in the group opener.
– England Barrage –
Rashford, one of four changes made by Southgate, had a golden chance to give England an early lead when he pounced on Harry Kane’s pass, but he took too long to shoot and Danny Ward cleared his line to save. got out of
Unable to put a glove on England, Wales barely made it out of their own half as Southgate’s men held possession for long periods without making a breakthrough.
When England increased their pace and passed more readily, they quickly ran through the Wales defence, but Foden’s shot whistled wide.
Criticized for his performance in the defeat against Iran, Wales captain Gareth Bale was again unnamed and the former Real Madrid star, possibly injured, was substituted at half-time.
Yet within six minutes of the restart, Bell’s absence was made irrelevant by England’s quick-fire barrage.
Southgate had said he was worried about feeling under pressure following the call for Foden’s selection, but he need not worry after the Manchester City playmaker.
Foden was the catalyst for England’s opener as he headed in to win a free-kick in the 50th minute which Rashford brilliantly headed into the corner of Ward’s goal from 25 yards.
Suddenly, England were pressing with more energy and they struck again 60 seconds later when Rashford forced Wales to surrender possession and Kane’s low cross reached Foden, who headed home at the far post Gone.
Moore tried to save Wales with a dipping effort, which was well saved by Jordan Pickford, but Rashford struck the knockout blow with his third goal of the tournament in the 68th minute.
Kelvin Phillips’ long pass sent Rashford scampering down the right flank and, with the Wales defense helpless, Manchester United cut inside before curling a low shot through Ward’s legs.