INSPIRED ENGLAND GETS SPARK BACK
ENGLAND booked a World Cup last-16 clash against Senegal as Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden inspired a 3-0 win against Wales that sent its neighbours crashing out of the tournament.
Gareth Southgate’s side sealed first place in Group B thanks to contributions from Rashford and Foden after they were restored to the team by the England boss.
Foden showed why there had been such a clamour for him to start as he won the free kick that Rashford converted to break the deadlock early in the second half at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Doha.
Foden doubled England’s lead just seconds later to effectively end the one-sided “Battle of Britain” before Rashford struck again to ensure Wales’ first World Cup since 1958 ended in disappointment.
With Foden and Rashford providing the edge so lacking in its previous match – a dour goalless draw against the US – England won for just the second time in its past nine games.
A spluttering 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 England demolished Wales after the break provided encouragement ahead of Sunday’s showdown with Group A runners-up Senegal.
“I thought we had complete control in the first half but didn’t create enough clear chances,” Southgate said.
“We just felt that by swapping the wingers’ positions we could get the option of them coming in off the line.
“Phil did that really well for the free kick.”
While England fans regard Germany and Scotland as their main rivals, Wales has never hidden how much it enjoys getting one over on its neighbours.
Wales manager Rob Page said: “We’ve got to put things in perspective. We haven’t got the players that England have. It’s an amazing achievement to be here.”