FIFAWC 2022: Rashford at the double as England coast into Round of 16

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford hit a brace for England as they thrashed Wales 3-0 in their final Group B game at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Three Lions finished the group stage in first place and advance into the Round of 16, as a result.

After picking up a win over Iran in their opener and playing out a draw with USA in their second game, the Three Lions were up against their neighbours Wales in their final group game. They needed to avoid defeat to qualify, while Wales needed to find a win in the match.

The match started in cagey fashion as both sides struggled to create clear-cut openings. Manchester City ace Phil Foden and Rashford were among the players to attempt to score in the first half, but their efforts were wayward.

The match came to life in the second 45 minutes as the Three Lions scored twice in two minutes to take the game away from the Dragons.

England were awarded a free kick 20 yards from goal, and Rashford stepped up and curled an inch-perfect effort into the top corner of the net after 50 minutes to open the scoring for the Three Lions.

The Three Lions doubled their advantage seconds later as they regained possession straight from kick-off and attacked immediately. The sequence ended with Foden firing home a low cross from Harry Kane at the far post.

Rashford rounded off the scoring for England in the 68th minute with a fine solo effort. The Manchester United forward was picked out by Kalvin Phillips with a long ball over the top. The 24-year-old collected the ball on the right and proceeded to evade three Welsh defenders as he cut in on his left and shot through the legs of Danny Ward in Wales’ goal.

England finished on top of Group B, thanks to their result against Wales. The Three Lions have finished on top of their World Cup group for the first time since 2006. They will now face African champions Senegal in the Round of 16 while Wales finished bottom of the pile with just one point.