Wales exited their first World Cup in 64 years with a whimper as they were deservedly beaten 3-0 by England.
Rob Page's side had held firm in a dull first half in which both sides struggled to create chances, but it was in the second period which England pulled away as they scored three goals in 18 minutes.
First Marcus Rashford fired home a fine free-kick past a static Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward to open the scoring, before a mistake from Ben Davies allowed Harry Kane to cross for Phil Foden to tap home at the back post.
Rashford would make it three when his effort passed through the body of Ward, leaving the Wales goalkeeper and his teammates disconsolate.
In truth England could have had more goals in the second period as they pressed and Wales almost hung on for dear life, but in the end Gareth Southgate's declared at three goals.
At full-time it was confirmed that England had won Group B and will face Senegal in the round of 16, while Wales have finished bottom of the group and will be heading home.
After the match the entire Wales squad and staff headed over to Wales' 'Red Wall' behind the goal to applaud them for coming out to support them out in Qatar, and there was a real sense that a new chapter in Welsh football was beginning.
The fans all sang songs and thanked the team for getting them to this World Cup, even though they have disappointed while here.
Gareth Bale had been taken off at half-time with a hamstring problem, and with the forward and the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen all nearing the twilight years of their club careers, Wales boss Page will know that he'll need to bring through some younger talents if his side are to keep up their impressive recent record of reaching three tournaments in the last six-and-a-half years.
Speaking after the match, BBC Sport pundit Ian Rush said Wales have to use qualification as a springboard.
"It's very tough, but when you look at it, to qualify is a major achievement," he said.
"They’ve set themselves standards now though and they’ve got to maintain them now.
"Since 2016 we qualified for two Euros, now a World Cup so the goal is to qualify for the next one.
" I think the most important thing is the grassroots, financially get some money and invest that into the grassroots of Wales."
