(Football news) England set up a last-16 tie against Senegal after finishing at the top of Group B of the 2022 World Cup with a 3-0 win over Wales at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. The Three Lions came under heavy criticism after their draw against the USA with manager Gareth Southgate being blamed for not picking Phil Foden against the Stars and Stripes.
However, there was no controversy regarding team selection this time around as Phil Foden won the freekick which was converted by Rashford in the 50th minute and then went on to double England’s advantage just a minute later after an excellent assist by Harry Kane. Rashford then scored another brilliant goal in the 68th minute, firing through the legs of Danny Ward to wrap up a dominant win.
Wales desperately needed a result against rivals England to remain in the competition and did reasonably well in the first half to limit the Three Lions but never threatened to score. Their first shot came in the first half stoppage time when a long-range effort from Kieffer Moore was deflected, prompting goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to make a save.
Veteran Gareth Bale has had a disappointing tournament so far and was forced off after the first half due to a hamstring injury in what could be his final appearance for Wales in a major tournament. England will now take on Senegal in the Round of 16 on Sunday with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden being guaranteed starters in the match. Southgate will also be happy that Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips got some important minutes on their return from injury and could give some depth to the squad, especially in the latter stage of the competition.
“I thought in the first half we really controlled the game, but we didn’t create many clear-cut chances. So we wanted a little bit more thrust and threat in the final third and to play forward a bit quicker. In the second half, once we got the two goals, we knew their spirit had probably gone, it’s been a tough tournament for them. I thought we kept our discipline and quality right to the end. It’s great for Marcus Rashford, he has trained really well.
England boss Gareth Southgate to the BBC
“I have to say, he’s really been impressive since he came back in with us. He could have had a hat-trick couldn’t he? And the free kick is what he’s capable of, it’s an incredible strike really. In moments I thought both Foden and Rash were quiet in the first half, we decided to switch wings, and I thought that might allow them to go on the outside and also the chance to come in and they responded really well, so for both to get the goals is great.”
“It’s very tough to take. In the first half we were outstanding, the effort the players put in off the ball was exceptional. We could have been a little bit better on the ball, but I won’t say a bad word about those players, they have given everything today. I don’t want to talk about negatives, the boys put a shift in. we’re disappointed to leave the tournament but if we’re going to go out, that’s the way to go out, our first-half performance was excellent.
Wales boss Rob Page to the BBC
“Five minutes before half-time [Gareth Bale] felt his hamstring. Joe Allen threw everything at it in his first 90 minutes in ages. Ben Davies had to come off with an injury. It was a massive effort from all the group. To get here is a massive achievement. I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
Also read: 2022 World Cup: Gareth Bale subbed off at half time in what could be his last Wales appearance
