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England booked a Globalism Cup last 16 match against Senegal as Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden inspired a 3-0 win over Wales that sent their neighbors crashing out of the tournament on Tuesday.
Gareth Southgate’s side finished first in Group B thanks to key contributions from Rashford and Foden after the England boss brought them back into the squad.
Foden showed why there was such a hustle to start the game as he won the free kick which Rashford converted to break the deadlock early in the second half at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium in Doha.
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Foden doubled England’s lead just seconds later to effectively end a one-sided ‘Battle of Britain’, and rattle Rashford again to ensure Wales’ first World Cup since 1958 ended in disappointment.
With Foden and Rashford taking a lead sorely lacking in their previous match – the goalless draw against the USA – England won for only the second time in their last nine matches.
A spirited first half showed the Three Lions still have room for improvement as they chase their first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.
But the ruthless manner in which they beat Wales after the break provided some encouragement ahead of Sunday’s clash with Group A runners-up Senegal.
While England fans regard Germany and Scotland as their main rivals, Wales have never hidden how much they enjoy beating their hated neighbours.
The Wales team were photographed celebrating England’s embarrassing exit from Euro 2016 against Iceland, while Welsh striker Kiefer Moore recently said he would like to take the English out of the World Cup.
With these indignities in mind, Wales’ sentencing to disqualification was a welcome bonus for England.
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But more importantly, they eased the anxiety that has built up since they were booed after the US’ lethargic stalemate that followed their 6-2 victory over Iran in their group opener.
– hail England –
One of Southgate’s four substitutions, Rashford had a golden opportunity to give England an early lead when he stepped up to Harry Kane’s pass, but he took too long to shoot and Danny Ward sprinted wide of his line to save the ball.
Unable to put a gauntlet on England, Wales barely made it out of their own half as Southgate’s men monopolized possession for long periods without making a breakthrough.
As England increased their tempo and passed more urgently, they promptly raced through the Welsh defence, but Foden’s shot went wide.
Wales captain Gareth Bale was criticized for his performance in the defeat by Iran and was replaced by the former Real Madrid star, possibly injured, at half-time.
However, within six minutes of the restart, Bell’s absence was rendered irrelevant by England’s speedy attack.
Southgate had said he was worried Foden would feel pressure to offer him after calls to pick him, but he needn’t have worried after the early Manchester City playmaker.
Foden was the catalyst for England’s opener as he surged forward to win a free kick in the 50th minute which Rashford deftly volleyed into the far corner of Ward’s goal from 25 yards.
Suddenly, England were pressing harder and pounced again after 60 seconds when Rashford forced Wales to concede, Kane’s low cross reaching Foden, who slotted home at the far post.
Moore tried to save Wales with a falling effort that was well saved by Jordan Pickford, but Rashford delivered the death blow with his third goal of the tournament in the 68th minute.
Calvin Phillips’ long pass sent Rashford racing in from the right, and with the hapless Welsh defense slumped, the Manchester United striker cut inside before smashing a low shot off Ward’s legs.
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