Marcus Rashford scores TWO quality goals for England vs Wales
As England won Group B, Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden scored twice each. Wales was bottom.
After a 3-0 win over Wales on Tuesday, Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford starred in bringing England to the World Cup knockout stage.
Victory will set up a last-16 match with Senegal, Group A runners-up on Sunday for England. Wales lost in Qatar without a victory for the first time ever in a major tournament.
Foden began at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, after being left out in Friday’s goalless draw with the United States. He won the free-kick to Rashford to end the deadlock in the 50th.
Foden, Manchester City’s star footballer, extended the lead for a mere minute before Rashford doubled it to remove uninspiring Wales (Group B), in which the USA defeated Iran to advance as runners-up.
Rashford described his double as “a great feeling”.
“We were disappointed by the USA result. We could have played better. It was crucial to give a strong performance in the next game. The first half was a great defensive performance. It was all about taking advantage of the opportunities and killing the game early.
“I wanted a free kick in the first half, but it was better for the second. I tried to keep calm and do what you have been trained.
“Half the time, the manager said that we had played well, but needed more shots on goal. I believe we only had two to three. We wanted to work the goalkeeper more and get in dangerous positions. I thought that was what we did in the first half, and we made it count in the second.
The condition of Kyle Walker after his first 57 minute recovery from groin surgery will likely dictate his role at the weekend with Kieran Trippier eager to return in. If Walker is healthy, Trippier’s best chance of getting a starting position would be if Southgate decides to play wingbacks.
Southgate’s tournament has a lot of depth. The first moments in Qatar saw the appearances of Kalvin Philips, who was Rashford’s second substitute, and Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench. There are many decisions to be made with a 26-man team and the quality of the group.
Two of his calls against Wales were correct, and Rashford was rewarded by Foden for including them right from the beginning. As we saw last summer at the Euros, this manager is not afraid to adapt his systems and personnel for opposing opposition.
