Doha ∙ After a scoreless first half, two goals were scored in just 98 seconds…! Soon the third goal; Having learned from the unexpected draw against the USA, England entered the crucial match at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium with a resounding win over Wales and a pre-quarter berth. England defeated Wales by three one-sided goals to enter the pre-quarters. Marcus Rashford scored a brace for England. Rashford’s goals were in the 50th and 68th minutes. Foden also found the target in the 51st minute.
With the win, England progressed to the pre-quarters as Group B’s top seed. England’s opponents are Senegal, who are second in Group A, in the pre-quarter match on December 4. In another game at the same time in the group, the USA also reached the prequarters after defeating Iran by a one-sided goal. USA’s opponents will be Group A champions Netherlands in the pre-quarter match on December 3.
∙ The way the goals came
England’s first goal: Their first goal came from a free kick in England’s favor in the 50th minute. Marcus Rashford took the free-kick 20 yards from the post after Roden brought down Phil Foden near the box. Marcus Rashford’s bullet shot went over the defensive wall of the Welsh players in front of the post. Score 1–0.
England’s second goal: Phil Foden scored the second goal for England in the next minute after taking the free kick that led to the first goal. The second goal came at a moment when Wales’ experienced defense was vulnerable. Harry Kane capitalized on a mistake by Davies on the right wing and a brilliant finish from Phil Foden with a cross parallel to the post. Score 2–0.
England’s third goal: After the second goal, the coach made four changes in the English line-up. This was followed by England’s third goal. Marcus Rashford scored from substitute Calvin Phillips’ pass. Calvin Phillips long cross from own half into Wales half. Rashford grabbed the ball after beating the Welshman. Then a brilliant volley into the box with beautiful movements. The ball went through Danny Ward’s legs and kissed the net. Score 3–0.
∙ Goalless first half
In the first half, England were far ahead in possession and attack, and Wales fought back with tough defence. Marcus Rashford squandered a golden opportunity in the first half which was a setback for England. Rashford latched on to skipper Harry Kane’s pass and was unable to beat Wales’ number two goalkeeper Danny Ward.
In the 10th minute of the match, Rashford wasted the chance that the English fans scored. Harry Kane’s through ball saw Rashford break through the Wales defense into the box. However, the goalkeeper Danny Ward, who came forward after smelling the danger, saved the ball and saved the danger. In the 38th minute, after a good move, Phil Foden also cleared the ball in the middle of the box.
At the same time, Joe Allen also squandered an opportunity for Wales in injury time. No. 2 goalkeeper Danny Ward will be keeping the net for Wales in the crucial match as Wayne Hennessey is suspended after being sent off by a red card in the match against Iran. Connor Robertson replaces Nico Williams who was injured in the first half for Wales.
∙ Second half of goals
Apart from the three goals scored by England in the second half, there are also goals that were lost by a narrow margin. After taking a two-goal lead, Southgate made three changes in England’s line-up. Kyle Walker, Harry Kane and Declan Rice were replaced by Alexander Arnold, Callum Wilson and Calvin Phillips. Luke Shaw was soon replaced by Kieron Trippier.
Rashford once again came close in the 72nd minute but was denied by a brilliant save from Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward. Ward took a pass from Callum Wilson and saved Rashford’s shot with his boot. After that, Ward effectively blocked Bellingham’s low ball. Foden’s failure to touch the ball on the rebound also reduced the weight of Wales’ defeat.
The Wales coach made three changes to the team that lost to Iran in the last match. England coach Gareth Southgate made four changes. Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford and Henderson made the starting XI while Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka and Kieran Trippier moved to the bench.
English Summary: England vs Wales FIFA World Cup 2022, Live Score