All four of the wide players Gareth Southgate has handed World Cup starts to have scored. While this is great for England as it somewhat takes the burden of captain Harry Kane from needing to be the man banging in the goals, the decision over who now plays either side of the Tottenham striker in the last-16 is a lot harder.
Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling were the wide duo who began the Three Lions World Cup campaign and both were on the scoresheet in the 6-2 victory over Iran. However, just a few days later, their respective performances against the USMNT were not at the level shown against Iran, prompting Southgate to make changes for the final group stage match against Wales.
Marcus Rashford, who came off the bench and scored in the Iran victory, started on the left with Manchester City starlet Phil Foden on the right, although their positions were inter-changeable, and both certainly gave Southgate a selection headache.
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After a tense first half, Rashford broke the deadlock five minutes after half time with a stunning free kick before Kane delivered a beautiful pass for Foden to double England's lead just minutes later. Rashford then bagged his second latching onto Kalvin Phillips' ball over the Wales back line where he cut inside Connor Roberts and smashed the ball through the legs of Danny Ward to seal England's spot as group-winners.
An unbeaten group stage campaign mean England will meet Senegal in the last-16 and despite the performances of Rashford and Foden, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has seemingly suggested that Saka, Sterling and Chelsea's Mason Mount will all return.
In the Telegraph, Carragher wrote: “Southgate’s changes reflected England’s security in the group. To go deep in the competition it is imperative players are rested, especially those who play in the positions demanding most intensity.
“Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka will have had over a week off by the time they meet Senegal on Sunday.
“Mason Mount, who is responsible for so much of the high pressing in the line-up, will also be fresh.”
England take on Senegal on Sunday, December 4 and speculation of Southgate's team selection will likely grow throughout the week.
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