Rashford’s brace sees England’s first group exit Wales

Marcus Rashford inspired England to the victory they needed to top Group B and ensure it was desperation for Wales as they crashed out of the tournament after a bitterly disappointing World Cup campaign.

England, who now face Senegal in the last 16, ensured neither scenario was a serious consideration as they dominated despite taking full control after an uneventful first 45 minutes.

Wales manager Rob Page made the bold decision to replace Gareth Bale at half-time, despite the big talisman having had just seven touches in an anonymous display, but any hope that the shock tactic would work was dashed eliminated as England scored twice within six minutes. the restart

Marcus Rashford curled a free-kick past Danny Ward after Ethan Ampadu’s foul on Phil Foden in the 50th minute, with the Manchester City midfielder marking his return to the England team moments later with a Harry Kane cross at the far post.

Wales were demoralized and outplayed as they knew they were on their way home from Qatar and Rashford added his second in the 68th minute, with a big assist from Wales goalkeeper Ward, who allowing a fierce shot to slip between the legs.

England progress smoothly

It took time and a desperately dull first half for England to get going, but once they did they were able to overcome Wales, who finished this World Cup in shy fashion.

And Rashford continued to make a huge impact at this World Cup, with his brace here after scoring with virtually his first touch in the 6-2 rout of Iran in England’s opener.

He missed a good chance in the first half when he was played in by Kane, but his free-kick was emphatic and the second a reward for his willingness to cut into the Welsh defense at pace. He almost had a hat-trick only for Ward to block his shot at the near post.

Rashford must now be seriously considered as a starter when England face a tough test from Senegal as the knockout stages begin.

Manager Gareth Southgate made four changes to his team that performed so poorly against the USA, Rashford, Foden, Jordan Henderson and Kyle Walker, who returned to form, replacing Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka, Mason Mount and Kieran Trippier.

Not only did it help England run out easy winners, it gave members of the squad valuable game time, particularly Walker, who is such a big part of Southgate’s plans but missed out the end of the Premier League to undergo groin surgery.

England and Southgate have achieved their first priority of qualifying for the last 16 while topping their group, two emphatic wins against Iran and Wales either side of that dismal display by the USA.

It represents a job well done by England – they now have to take the next step against the dangerous African champions.

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