England and Wales clashed on Tuesday evening in their final group game of the campaign.
England headed into the match with little to play for, aware of the fact only a four or more goal defeat would see them fail to qualify from the group.
Wales, meanwhile, needed a comfortable win to stand any chance of making it into the last-16.
When all was said and done, England picked up a comfortable win.
England created the first chance of the day with Harry Kane slotting in Marcus Rashford, who saw his shot saved by an onrushing Danny Ward.
The Three Lions’ threat died down after that, but Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden linked up well to create another chance late in the first 45, which the latter hit over.
England then took just four minutes to score in the second half. A good Phil Foden run resulted in a free-kick, which Marcus Rashford scored.
Marcus Rashford, WHAT a free-kick 😍
Enjoy that England opener from all angles ⬇#BBCFootball #BBCWorldCup pic.twitter.com/zwWRBNlmJx
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 29, 2022
Foden added England’s second just a minute after the restart, getting on the end of a low cross from Harry Kane.
The second goal woke Wales up and they finally started to test England, with a Kieffer Moore shot deflecting off Harry Maguire to force a good save out of Jordan Pickford.
Southgate also made a triple change after going 2-0 up, resting some key players ahead of the last-16.
Wales’ desire to attack more after England’s second opened them up to counters, with Rashford scoring his second of the day following a lovely ball from Kalvin Phillips.
John Stones then missed a great chance in second-half injury-time, skying a shot after being set up by Maguire for a corner, and that was the final big chance of the match.
England player ratings
- Jordan Pickford (6.5)
- Kyle Walker (6.5)
- John Stones (6.5)
- Harry Maguire (6.5)
- Luke Shaw (6)
- Declan Rice (6)
- Jordan Henderson (5)
- Jude Bellingham (7.5)
- Phil Foden (8)
- Marcus Rashford (8.5)
- Harry Kane (6.5)
Substitutes
- Callum Wilson (5.5)
- Kalvin Phillips (6.5)
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (5.5)
- Kieran Trippier (5.5)
- Jack Grealish (5)
Wales player ratings
- Danny Ward (3.5)
- Neco Williams (6)
- Chris Mepham (4.5)
- Joe Rodon (5)
- Ben Davies (4.5)
- Joe Allen (4.5)
- Ethan Ampadu (5)
- Aaron Ramsey (4)
- Daniel James (5)
- Gareth Bale (4)
- Kieffer Moore (5)
Substitutes
- Conor Roberts (4.5)
- Brennan Johnson (5)
- Joe Morrell (4)
- Harry Wilson (4)
- Rubin Colwill (N/A)
Match reaction
It’s early I know but if this is the passing you’re getting from Henderson then it is going to be a lot harder to apply pressure to Wales. pic.twitter.com/J1HZ99984d
— James Benge (@jamesbenge) November 29, 2022
The atmosphere inside the ground is fairly flat now. Think it probably reflects a first 20 minutes light on incident, England controlling possession but fairly conservative so far.
— Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) November 29, 2022
Harry Maguire watched Ronaldinho comps before the game#ENG #wal
— Joel Beya (@joelbeya) November 29, 2022
Final third entries after 28 minutes:
◉ England: 21
◎ Wales: 4#FIFAWorldCup— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) November 29, 2022
We need to talk about that skill from Jude Bellingham… 🔥♥️
— ams_baba✪ (@Daddy_Boyyy) November 29, 2022
Phil Foden >>> Mason Mount. How is this even a debate lol
— Michael Porter Jr. = Best Shooter on 🌎 (@MegaStretch23) November 29, 2022
Harry Kane is the first English player to assist three goals at a single World Cup since David Beckham in 2002 (also three).#WAL #ENG #FIFAWorldCup
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) November 29, 2022
