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England emphatically secured round-of-16 football with a 3-0 victory over Wales in their final 2022 FIFA World Cup Group B clash on Tuesday night (29 November). A Phil Foden strike, sandwiched between a stellar Marcus Rashford brace, ensured England’s progression to the last 16 as Group B winners (seven points).
United States (USA), courtesy of their narrow 1-0 win over Iran, finished second in the Group B standings with five points. Iran and Wales occupied the following two positions, bidding farewell to the extravaganza in Qatar. The Three Lions will take on Senegal in the round of 16 on Sunday night (4 December).
Gareth Southgate’s side enjoyed an energetic start to their final group-stage fixture at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Harry Kane played a delightful through ball to Rashford in the 10th minute. The Manchester United man, however, delayed pulling the trigger, allowing Wales keeper Danny Ward to come out and smother his attempt.
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In the 38th minute, the Three Lions orchestrated their best move of the first half, nearly getting the goal they were gunning for. Jordan Henderson played a smart pass to Jude Bellingham, who, despite being under pressure, managed to find Foden toward the center of the box. The Manchester City man did well to receive the ball and engineer a yard of space with his spin but could not keep his shot on target.
Wales inevitably went behind five minutes into the second 45, with Rashford finding the back of the net with a direct free kick from 20 yards out. Rashford’s peachy strike marked the first direct free-kick goal at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
England doubled their money even before Wales could react to Rashford’s stunner. Kane found Foden with a delightful ball across the face of the Welsh goal, and the City star made no mistake tapping it in.
In the 68th minute, Rashford superbly scored England’s 100th FIFA World Cup goal, practically sealing a commanding English victory. Rashford and Bellingham tested Ward with two fine efforts in the 72nd and 77th minutes respectively, while John Stones missed a tap-in from point-blank range in added time.
Except for Kieffer Moore’s 56th-minute outside-the-box attempt, Jordan Pickford did not have to save a single shot. The Englishmen, on the other hand, ended the game with an impressive seven shots on target. Had it not been for Ward’s heroics, Wales would have endured a much rougher defeat at the hands of their neighbors.
Now, without standing on ceremony, let’s check out the five English stars who shone in their convincing FIFA World Cup victory over Wales:
#5 Jordan Henderson
Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson produced a confident showing in the middle of the park on Tuesday. His passing range, as well as accuracy, was impressive. He won most of his individual battles and did not hesitate to get his hands dirty when required.
At the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Henderson made a key pass, delivered two accurate long balls, and won six of his nine duels on Tuesday. He also completed 47 passes (82.5% accuracy), drew two fouls, and attempted two tackles.
#4 Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire was easily England's most confident defender against Wales in their 2022 FIFA World Cup encounter. He was composed in possession, cleared the ball unhesitantly when required, and rarely misplaced a pass.
In England’s final Group B fixture, Maguire completed 77 passes (91.7% accuracy), delivered five accurate long balls, won both his aerial duels, and made three clearances. Additionally, the Manchester United skipper blocked a shot and made an interception.
#3 Harry Kane
Tottenham Hotspur ace Harry Kane did not find the back of the net against Wales, but brought pretty much everything else to the table. He drew defenders away with his smart runs, held his ground well in the duels, created multiple goalscoring chances, and provided an assist.
In the 51st minute, he got on the ball on the right side of the Welsh box, put his head down, and sent the ball to the far post. Foden arrived at the right time to put it away.
Against Wales, the 2018 FIFA World Cup top scorer created two big chances and played two key passes. He also won four duels and drew three fouls before being rested in the 58th minute.
#2 Phil Foden
England fans around the world begged Southgate to bring Phil Foden into the fold. The coach gave the Man City man the shot he was craving against Wales, and it is safe to say that he delivered. Foden tormented the opposition with his runs, played some smart passes, and popped up in the right place at the right time to double his team’s advantage.
On Tuesday night, Foden delivered two accurate crosses, completed 24 passes (75% accuracy), and won a ground duel. A start against Senegal could be on the cards for Foden.
#1 Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford, the undeniable standout performer of the match, was practically everywhere on the pitch on Tuesday night. He tracked back, put pressure on the opposition, created openings, and scored two excellent goals. Rashford’s first goal came through a free kick in the 50th minute, with him brilliantly taking his effort above the wall and finding the mid-right of Ward’s goal.
In the 68th minute, he shrugged off challenges from Welsh defenders on the right flank, cut in, and directed a low effort toward Ward’s goal. The ball struck the underside of Ward’s ankle and went in. Rashford was also essential to Foden’s goal, as it was his standing tackle that won England possession and allowed Kane to put in a low cross.
Against Wales, Rashford completed three dribbles, delivered an accurate long ball, won five duels, made an interception, and attempted a tackle.
