England qualified for the World Cup finals with a 3-0 win over Wales.
Two goals from Marcus Rashford and midfielder Phil Foden’s first goal of the tournament gave England fans reason to cheer on Tuesday night. They now face Senegal in the second round on Sunday evening.
The match rarely reached a climax as the Three Lions always progressed to the knockout rounds unless complete disaster occurred.
After Friday’s game against the United States, it was vital for Gareth Southgate and his charge to give England fans a performance to be proud of.
Wales needed to win by four goals, and either the United States or Iran had to win their other game in the group stage for England to be eliminated. It was clear from early on that Wales would have little to offer and the only question to be resolved was whether England would top the group or finish second.
Gareth Bale was injured and replaced at halftime. He was often a driving force in helping Wales reach their first World Cup since 1958, but he looked poor for the entire 45 minutes.
Jordan Pickford had a very quiet evening in goal for England. The only time he faced difficulty was when Joe Allen’s shot deflected off Harry Maguire. The Everton goalkeeper looked sharp as ever, turning quickly 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 Harry Kane’s perfect through ball. The United star came on for the suspended Wayne Hennessy and tried to lift the ball over the advancing Williams, but the goalkeeper was over the top.
Rashford broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half with a wonderful free kick from 25 yards out. The ball was left of center on the edge of the box and the striker lifted it over the wall and into the far corner of the net.
A minute later, England doubled their lead after a brilliant move from Phil Foden. Marcus Rashford raced in to grab a loose ball in Wales’ final third and played a short pass to Harry Kane.
Kane received the ball on the right flank and crossed the goal perfectly. Foden made no mistake and put the ball into the back of the net.
Rashford added a second goal in ’68.Day minute. Rashford ran the ball over the top of the Wales defence, cut inside from the right flank and wrong-footed the defender before hitting the ball between Williams’ legs.
The Three Lions have now advanced to the second round where they will play Senegal on Sunday evening. They joined the United States’ knockout win over Iran with a goal from Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic.
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