Marcus Rashford’s brilliant brace propelled England to the knockout stage as group winners, ending Wales’ first World Cup appearance since 1958.
Welsh progress was hanging by a thread heading into a Group B finale in which Gareth Southgate’s men only needed to avoid a four-goal defeat to advance to the last 16.
The 104th meeting between the old foes was the first to be played at a World Cup, and England easily won 3-0 in the desert on Tuesday, with Phil Foden scoring either side of Rashford’s fine goals.
The prize is a last-16 match against Senegal on Sunday, by which time Robert Page’s side will have long since left Qatar after their first appearance on the world stage in 64 years ended in disappointment.
Wales’ draw with the US and heartbreaking late loss to Iran meant they faced an uphill battle against their neighbors, who dominated the first half without creating many clear-cut chances.
Chesney Hawkes’ unexpected half-time appearance was the most entertaining moment of the evening until Rashford stepped up to score a spectacular free kick in the 50th minute.
But it would not be his only goal in Al Rayyan.Within two minutes of the opener, Foden headed home a fine Harry Kane cross, before Rashford finished a mazy run by finishing through back-up goalkeeper Danny Ward’s legs.
The 25-year-old, who was making his first England start since June 2021, was replaced late in the game to a standing ovation.
