Xuenou > Sports > Marcus Rashford scores sensational free-kick to kickstart England rout of Wales
Marcus Rashford scores sensational free-kick to kickstart England rout of Wales
Marcus Rashford scores sensational free-kick to kickstart England rout of Wales,Marcus Rashford sent a free-kick flying past Danny Ward to give England the lead against Wales which was followed shortly after by a quickfire second from Phil Foden

Marcus Rashford scores sensational free-kick to kickstart England rout of Wales

Marcus Rashford scored a sensational free-kick to give England the lead against Wales – before Phil Foden quickly added a second.

Rashford broke the deadlock five minutes after the break with a beautifully hit strike which flew past Danny Ward in the Wales net. That was followed shortly after by Foden's finish from a Harry Kane cross.

The quickfire double all but confirmed England's progression to the knockout stages of the World Cup as winners of Group B, with a round-of-16 tie against Senegal lined up for Sunday (December 4).

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It had been a goalless first half at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, with neither side coming particularly close to opening the scoring.

Wales boss Rob Page hooked star man Gareth Bale at half-time, replacing him with youngster Brennan Johnson. His side needed to win to stand a chance of making it through.

Marcus Rashford of England celebrates after scoring their team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between Wales and England at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on November 29, 2022
Rashford's free-kick kickstarted England's rout of Wales (Image: Getty Images)

But their hopes were dashed when Rashford and Foden scored within two minutes of each other. The Manchester United man then scored his second of the night in the 68th minute to make it 3-0.

England have sent their neighbours packing with their victory. Wales managed to pick up just the solitary point from their three group games which saw them finish rock bottom.

Gareth Southgate's side, meanwhile, have racked up seven points to see them comfortably top the group. That means they avoided a tricky tie against the Netherlands, who finished ahead of Senegal in Group A.

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