ENGLAND BEATS WALES TO TOP THE GROUP

Marcus Rashford Shines

By Rashmi Goel

On Tuesday, England sent their neighbors crashing out of the World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Wales in Al-Rayyan, Qatar. After returning to the team by Southgate, Rashford and Foden played a crucial role in England's success in Group B. In the second half, Foden demonstrated why he has been clamoring to start as he won the free-kick which Rashford converted to break the deadlock at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Doha. Rashford scored a second goal to ensure Wales' first World Cup since 1958 ended in disappointment. Foden doubled England's lead seconds later, effectively ending the one-sided 'Battle of Britain'.

In their last nine matches, England has won just two times, the other being a goalless draw against the United States with Foden and Rashford providing the cutting edge so lacking in their previous match. As the Three Lions pursue their first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup, a spluttering first half indicated that they still have room for improvement. However, the manner in which they demolished Wales after the break provided encouragement ahead of their Sunday showdown with Group A runners-up Senegal. Although England fans consider Germany and Scotland as their main rivals, Welsh fans are always eager to get one over on their hated neighbors.

When Rashford surged onto Harry Kane's pass, one of four changes by Southgate, he had a golden opportunity to give England an early lead, however, he took too long to shoot and Danny Ward saved. As Southgate's men monopolized possession for long periods without scoring, Wales barely made it out of their own half. As England increased their pace and passed more aggressively, they scythed through the Wales defense, but Foden's shot failed to reach the target. Gareth Bale, who was criticized for his performance during the loss to Iran, was anonymous again, and the former Real Madrid player was substituted at half-time, possibly due to injury. Nevertheless, England's quick-fire barrage rendered Bale's absence irrelevant within six minutes of the restart.

The precocious Manchester City playmaker did not need to worry about feeling under pressure after Southgate called for him to be selected. With Foden driving forward, England opened the scoring with a 50th-minute free kick that Rashford brilliantly curled into the far corner of Ward's goal from 25 yards. It was only 60 seconds later that England pounced again after Rashford forced Wales to surrender possession and Kane's low cross was met by Foden, who played the ball home at the far post. Jordan Pickford saved Moore's dipping effort well, but Rashford delivered the knockout blow in the 68th minute with his third goal of the tournament. Rashford was sent scrambling down the right flank by Kalvin Phillips' long pass and, as the Wales defense backed off, Rashford cut into the right side before striking a low shot through Ward's legs.