A scintillating individual display from Marcus Rashford ensured England secured their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup as they defeated Wales 3-0 in Al Rayyan.
The Manchester United forward continued his impressive form from the early months of the Premier League season and grabbed a goal either side of Phil Foden’s close-range finish to set up a round-of-16 tie with African champions Senegal on Sunday.
Gareth Southgate’s side huffed and puffed during a frustrating opening 45 minutes as they were tasked with breaking down a resolute defensive line.
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However, after heading into the break goalless, Rashford ensured his team-mates came out of the blocks flying after the interval. His whipped free-kick five minutes after the restart was quickly followed up by an effort from Foden at the end of a fluid counter-pressing move. That allowed the 25-year-old to put the icing on the cake 22 minutes from time, beating Danny Ward at his near post with a left-footed strike.
Here are the player ratings from the Group B finale.
Jordan Pickford 6
Not called into action during the first half but superbly kept out Kieffer Moore’s strike from range midway through the second after a late deflection off Harry Maguire.
In truth, the Everton goalkeeper could have watched proceedings from the stands of the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium.
Kyle Walker 6
Marked his first appearance since early October with a steady 57-minute outing. A productive cameo for the defender heading into the knockout stages. Subbed.
John Stones 6
Much like the rest of the England defence, John Stones spent the duration of the game largely untroubled as Wales only managed one shot on target throughout.
Harry Maguire 6
Offered England an outlet as they huffed and puffed in their attempt to find a breakthrough in the first half. Another controlled performance from the Manchester United defender.
The less said about his cross-shot in the first half, however, the better.
Luke Shaw 6
England’s dominance handed the left-back licence to utilise his understanding with Marcus Rashford in the final third in a bid to overload Neco Williams and Connor Roberts. Subbed.
Jordan Henderson 7
Struggled in helping the Three Lions break down a deep-lying Wales backline and was frequently forced to venture towards the right-hand side to involve himself, but impressed with his pressing and allowed Jude Bellingham to embark forward. Without a doubt England’s most vocal player on the evening.
Saw the best of his qualities as the Three Lions sought to protect their lead late on.
Declan Rice 7
Neat and tidy in possession in what has become the benchmark for Declan Rice during his time as a senior England international. Wales struggled to deal with his bullish on-the-ball approach, however, those moments were few and far between. Subbed.
Phil Foden 8
Justified his selection by doubling the Three Lions’ advantage shortly after Marcus Rashford’s opener. Prior to the goal, he had displayed signs of promise, most notably with Jude Bellingham, in the first half but England struggled to break down a resolute Wales backline.
Jude Bellingham 7
Orchestrated England’s best move of the first half as he combined superbly with Phil Foden and Jordan Henderson, before the former’s shot sailed harmlessly over the crossbar. A much-improved performance from the Borussia Dortmund midfielder in the second half as he experienced greater joy between the lines.
Enjoying a fine breakthrough tournament so far.
Marcus Rashford 9
Failed to convert England’s best opening of the first half as he was prevented by Danny Ward. However, he came out for the second half rejuvenated and broke the deadlock with a fine free-kick. Forced a turnover in possession for Phil Foden’s goal shortly before grabbing his second of the game.
Playing with confidence once again.
Harry Kane 7
Another frustrating night in front of goal for the England skipper, who is yet to get off the mark in Qatar. However, similarly to the opening Group B encounter against Iran, the Tottenham Hotspur forward fulfilled the responsibilities of playmaker and supplied Marcus Rashford with the game’s first clear-cut chance, before later assisting Phil Foden in impressive fashion.
Despite the lack of goals, continues to be a handful for opposition defences.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Kyle Walker 57 mins) 6
Nice to see the Liverpool defender was in fact included in England’s 26-man squad for the Qatar finals, as he made his tournament bow with a steady cameo at right-back.
Callum Wilson (Harry Kane 57 mins) 6
Offered England a different threat in behind as he stretched Joe Rodon and Chris Mepham and made them look rather uncomfortable during his second-half outing. Impressive.
Kalvin Phillips (Declan Rice 57 mins) 7
Hasn’t played a lot of football for Manchester City this season due to having shoulder surgery earlier this year but reminded the nation of his qualities with a fine assist for Marcus Rashford’s second goal.
Kieran Trippier ( Luke Shaw 65 mins) 6
Appeared.
Jack Grealish (Marcus Rashford 75 mins) 6
Put himself about.
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