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Marcus Rashford dazzles to send England into last-16 and break Welsh hearts

Marcus Rashford - Marcus Rashford dazzles to send England into last-16 and break Welsh hearts - Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Marcus Rashford - Marcus Rashford dazzles to send England into last-16 and break Welsh hearts - Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Wales 0 England 3


10:06 PM

Report

Rashford and Foden stake their claims in Welsh video nasty

Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford of England celebrate following the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between Wales and England - Eddie Keogh/Getty Images
Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford of England celebrate following the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between Wales and England - Eddie Keogh/Getty Images

This time the video nasty was on Wales. “Battle of Britain”? It was a mismatch from start to finish, barely a skirmish, with England earning the points to win Group B and set up a last-16 tie against Senegal on Sunday and with Marcus Rashford the rejuvenated driving force. He put the Welsh to the sword.

Little wonder Rashford was hugged so enthusiastically by Gareth Southgate as he was eventually substituted – with a huge grin spreading across the 25-year-old’s face.

What a comeback. Not so long ago Rashford was nowhere near this England squad and was an injury-plagued, confidence-shattered husk of the player he once was. Now he is suddenly vital and has three goals to make him joint top-scorer at this World Cup. And this was his first start.

What happens next? Can Southgate leave him or Foden out? He has so many options with Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish. But, on this form, Rashford surely must play having finally found his way back for his club, Manchester United, and now his country. It is a heart-warming story as only sport can deliver.

For Wales it is sadly over. Even reaching this tournament, for the first time since 1958, was a hugely proud achievement for a nation of just three million but trying to make it through to the knock-out stages proved a bridge too far.

Their team lacks quality, their stars are too old or injury-affected and while England will not gloat, the way Wales did when they were shockingly dumped out of Euro 2016 by Iceland in that leaked video, there was the quiet satisfaction of job done and therefore a small slice of revenge.

Their fans revelled in it, though.

“Going home in the morning,” they goaded while also singing “jingle bells” and loudly serenading Southgate. Afterwards the PA announcer even played Sweet Caroline. The goalless draw against the United States last Friday? Forget about it. The group winners have seven points, nine goals and two clean sheets. Not bad, at all as England topped a World Cup group for the first time since 2006.

For Southgate there was further contentment with his tactics – poor in-game management is something he has been criticised for in the past – and his team selections all working. They included a smart change with Rashford and Phil Foden, the two attackers he brought in as he refreshed his forward line, switching flanks at the start of the second half and then scoring 98 seconds apart and also being involved in the other’s goal. Rashford would score again and should have had a hat-trick.

For Wales, Gareth Bale was subbed off, after only seven ineffective touches, and suffered a tight hamstring. Will he be seen playing for his country again? Bale says he will but he has struggled out here.

Southgate, meanwhile, had the luxury of withdrawing Harry Kane, Declan Rice and the fit-again Kyle Walker before the hour to rest them for the next encounter with Luke Shaw, his only recognised left-back, soon following. It could not have gone better.

After a first-half of numbing frustration – when Rashford wasted the only chance – but also firm control from England it all changed in those handful of seconds. Quite literally. England scored once. Then twice and it was game over. Foden was the catalyst with a turn of pace and a superb dribble that only he can do in this squad which took him away from Aaron Ramsey and substitute Connor Roberts with Joe Rodon panicking and hacking him down.

Ward looks back in despair - Hannah McKay/Reuters
Ward looks back in despair - Hannah McKay/Reuters

Twenty-five yards out the opportunity presented itself for a free-kick at goal and Rashford grasped it, sending his right-foot shot fiercely arcing high beyond the grasp of goalkeeper Danny Ward. Rashford had still appeared lacking in belief in the first period and so his celebrations were wild before he sunk to his knees and raised his eyes heavenwards for a private moment of contemplation.

That is tournament football. Stay patient, structured and take your chances. Block out the external noise.

The goal transformed Rashford and he forced the opportunity for the second goal as he quickly closed down Ben Davies with the ball rebounding to Kane.

The captain really is the best passer England have and he swept a smart low cross to the far post with Foden joyfully meeting it to tap home.

There may be no goals at this tournament, so far, for Kane – just as with the group stages of the Euros last summer before he exploded – but he has three assists and remains England’s focal point.

Rashford was not done. Kalvin Phillips, who had replaced Rice, hoisted the ball down the right flank to allow Rashford to run at Roberts. There was more disarray from Wales with Rashford cutting inside and shooting through Rodon’s legs – and then through Ward’s – to find the net and claim England’s 100th goal at a World Cup.

England's Marcus Rashford celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the World Cup group B soccer match between England and Wales, at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan , Qatar, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022 - Frank Augstein/AP
England's Marcus Rashford celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the World Cup group B soccer match between England and Wales, at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan , Qatar, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022 - Frank Augstein/AP

England had not let the rhetoric, the echoes of the old Home Championships and the desire to makem this a scrappy local affair faze them. They were focussed with Jordan Henderson, another shrewd selection barking at his team-mates to close down quickly as he brought his experience to bear alongside the wonderful young tyro Jude Bellingham.

Southgate wanted to channel the emotion, not ignore it, and England did just that. Wales looked set up to attack – as they needed to win – but they did not even attempt it until the game was over. In fact if Wales had dropped any deeper they would have been in among the Red Wall of their supporters. It is not their fault. They just do not have the players or the depth.

England do. Senegal will be a tough proposition but there is strength and quality to this England squad as Rashford and Foden proved in staking their flair-filled claims.

Match details

Wales (4-2-3-1): Ward; N Williams (Roberts, 36), Mepham, Rodon, Davies (Morrell, 59); Allen (Colwill, 81), Ampadu; Bale (Johnson, 46), Ramsey, James (Wilson, 77); Moore. 
Booked: James, Ramsey.
Substitutes not used: Gunter, Lockyer, Williams, M Harris, Davies, Thomas, Levitt, Cabango, Smith.
England (4-3-3): Pickford; Walker (Alexander-Arnold, 57), Stones, Maguire, Shaw (Trippier, 65); Henderson, Rice (Phillips, 58), Bellingham; Rashford (Grealish, 76), Kane (Wilson, 58), Foden.
Goals: Rashford (50, 68), Foden (51).
Substitutes not used: Sterling, Pope, Dier, Coady, Saka, Mount, Ramsdale, Maddison, Gallagher.
Referee: Slavko Vincic (Slovenia).
Attendance: 44,297.


Wales 0 England 3: As it happened


09:46 PM

Marcus Rashford on his goal celebration

I lost one of my friends a couple of days ago. He had quite a long battle with cancer. I’m pleased I scored for him, he was a big supporter and good friend of mine. He was someone who came into my life.

Marcus Rashford - Stu Forster/Getty Images
Marcus Rashford - Stu Forster/Getty Images

09:39 PM

Tales from the dressing room


09:31 PM

Gareth Bale confirms ...

That he will continue playing for Wales as long as he is wanted. It was confirmed that he was injured after 40 minutes and that was his tournament finished early.

And with that, the BBC's post-match interview round concludes.


09:28 PM

Gareth Southgate speaks

I thought we controlled the game in the first half but we didn't create enough chances. We wanted more thrust in the final third, play the ball forward a bit quicker. The second half, once we got the two goals, we knew that their spirit had probably gone. They've had a tough tournament. I thought we kept our discipline right until the end.

It’s great for [Marcus Rashford]. He’s trained really well, I have to say, since he came back in and he could have had a hat-trick. His free-kick was an incredible strike; that’s what he’s capable of. In moments I thought both [Rashford and Foden] were a bit quiet in the first half. We decided to switch them at half-time and they responded really well, and for them to both get their goals was great.

I’ve played in front of England crowds like that. It’s an amazing feeling when you see them in such numbers, especially when you think how far they’ve had to travel. We dealt with the pressure really well – we were calm and we showed our quality.


09:23 PM

Jude Bellingham speaks

I’m so happy for Rash – what a performance. We’ve got loads of depth in attacking areas, and whoever comes in seems to make an impact. It doesn’t really change the style of them That’s quite rare. I’m really happy for Phil [Foden] tonight; he’s had a lot of pressure on him the last few days with all the attention, but he showed again how good he is.

We weren’t aggressive enough [against USA] but it was more high-energy today. It was important for us to be on the front foot. Hendo brings that intensity every time he plays. We won a lot of balls really high up the pitch which was key to us keeping the pressure on.


09:19 PM

Rashford's second is England's 100th World Cup goal

And here it is:


09:17 PM

Mike McGrath's tactical dissection of England's victory

How England turned it on to send Wales crashing out of World Cup.


09:14 PM

England win Group B


09:13 PM

Rob Page speaks

Very tough to take. First half we were outstanding, without the ball, the effort they put in. I won't have a bad word said about those players. The boys put a shift in. We're disappointed to go out but if we have to go out we go out [in the right way] after that first-half performance. Don't be disappointed, we have to build for the future. To get to the World Cup with this group of players that's a hell of an achievement.


09:09 PM

A word from Dan James

We always knew it was going to be tough. They scored a great free-kick and then we conceded so quickly again after that. This is the level, it's very hard to come back. They're a good team, they can score against anyone. I wanted to say thanks to the fans, who have been unbelievable.


09:07 PM

You can rate the players here

What are you giving Rashford? Nine?


09:06 PM

Marcus Rashford speaks

We were a little disappointed after the game against USA. We could have played better but we had to bounce back. We defended brilliantly in the firts half. I fancied a free-kick in the first half but the one in the second half was in a better position. They don't go in often but it's about executing. We wanted to work the keeper more in the second half. Moments like this is what I play football for. I'm really happy. I have massive ambition for this team. We can play better than we have showed tonight.


09:02 PM

Full time verdict

A comfortable, reassuring night for England. Marcus Rashford was brilliant. He has given Gareth Southgate a wonderful selection dilemma. All the negativity after the USA game has completely gone. England can look forward to the knockout stage with confidence.


09:00 PM

BBC's pundits

Rio Ferdinand: You can't get too carried away. We're going to have tougher opposition. Today I thought we executed the game plan very well. In the second half we came out and blew Wales away.

Alan Shearer: The keeper is at fault [for the first goal]. It's a wonderful strike but there's no point having a wall if you're not going to trust it.

Ferdinand: When you've got a smiling, hard-working Marcus Rashford, you've got a devastating player.


08:55 PM

Full time: Wales 0 England 3

Grealish rides several tackles to pierce the Wales defence down the inside-right channel, accelerating into the box. He tries to pay Wilson back with a short pass but the centre-forward's shot is blocked as are the follow-ups of Bellingham and Foden. And with that, the referee blows his whistle.

England win Group B and play Senegal in the last 16 on Sunday.


08:52 PM

90+2 min: Wales 0 England 3

Foden whips the corner to the back post from the right, Maguire heads it back across and Stones, unmarked, spoons his left-foot shot from six yards over the bar.


08:51 PM

90 min: Wales 0 England 3

England corner after Alexander-Arnold and Bellingham link up with Wilson who has played very well and typically selflessly since coming on.


08:50 PM

88 min: Wales 0 England 3

Ampadu catches Grealish late. There have been some late tackles by both sides this last 15 minutes or so.


08:48 PM

86 min: Wales 0 England 3

Moore faces up Stones, shimmies one way and then the other to try to throw him off balance. But Stones isn't buying Moore's wares and watches the ball before spreading himself to create a huge obstackle when Moore finally decides to shoot ... wide.


08:45 PM

83 min: Wales 0 England 3

Southgate has taken an awful lot of grief since Friday night. Fair dos. He set his team up perfectly here.


08:43 PM

81 min: Wales 0 England 3

Harry Wilson comes on for James. Colwill for the exhausted Allen.


08:43 PM

79 min: Wales 0 England 3

Excellent again from Wilson who is playing as a No10. He laaces Bellingham through on goal and the Borussia Boy Wonder Blue shoots, Ward saving down to his left. Bellingham has another go and this time Foden almost gets there to put it in. Wales breathe again


08:41 PM

77 min: Wales 0 England 3

Rashford is cheered off as he goes off for a breather, taking a deserved standing ovation from the England fans. Jack Grealish replaces him.


08:40 PM

75 min: Wales 0 England 3

Trippier, who came on for Shaw before the third goal, blocks Johnson's shot.


08:39 PM

72 min: Wales 0 England 3

Excellent fromWilson with a driving run at a retreating defence, keeping them on their toes about whicvh way he is going to go, left or right, by stamping his feet and feinting. Once he's pushed them on to the back foot he rolls it to Rashford who shoots and Ward sticks out a foot to flip it behind.


08:33 PM

70 min: Wales 0 England 3

England are rampant now. The key to their dominance is definitely the switch of the wingers. They haven't been able to cope with Rashford on the right.


08:28 PM

GOOOAL!!!

Wales 0 England 3 (Rashford)  Fantastic chip over the top from Phillips for Rashford to hare on to. He chops it back on to his left foot with his right, tacks left and threads a shot through Rodon's and Ward's legs. Double nutmeg.

Rashford scores - Lars Baron/Getty Images
Rashford scores - Lars Baron/Getty Images

08:25 PM

Carragher's view: Southgate gets it right

Southgate gets it right with his changes. Credit the manager. This is a manager who knows what he is doing in tournament football.


08:23 PM

62 min: Wales 0 England 2

Henderson is OK. Ben Davies isn't. Joe Morrell replaced him shortly after England's triple substitution.


08:22 PM

60 min: Wales 0 England 2

Ramsey is booked for a filthy sliding tackle from the side on Henderson, his studs planted into his ankle. That should have been red.

Here's Ward at the free-kick:

Rashford scores - REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
Rashford scores - REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

08:18 PM

58 min: Wales 0 England 2

Triple substitution: Alexander-Arnold, Phillips and Wilson come on for Walker, Rice and Kane.


08:17 PM

55 min: Wales 0 England 2

Good save from Pickford after a shot is deflected by Maguire. Pickford adjusted much better than Ward who was at fault for the Rashford goal, going the wrong way initially. A minute earlier James had cut in on to his right to whistle a shot past the left post with Pickford beaten.


08:11 PM

GOOOOAL!!

Wales 0 England 2 (Foden) Rashford wins the ball back, beasting Davies with a high press on the right. Kane picks the ball up on the right and feeds a low cross through the six-yard box. Foden rides on time to arrive beyond the back post and thump in the second with a left-foot finish.

Foden - REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
Foden - REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

08:09 PM

GOOOAL!!

Rashford doesn't go over the wall but round it. Ward, too worried about his vulenrability to the top left, is beaten on the other side having taken two steps to deal with the more obvious threat. Brilliantly diddle by Rashford but Ward should have done better.

Rashford scores - REUTERS/Lee Smith
Rashford scores - REUTERS/Lee Smith

49 min: Wales 0 England 0

Foden drives at pace, the ball stuck to left boot, towards the D from the left and is stopped only when Rodon steps in front of him. Free-kick. Proper obstruction.


08:08 PM

47 min: Wales 0 England 0

Johnson is penalised for shoving Shaw in the back when both were running to meet an arrowed Ramsey pass over the top.


08:05 PM

46 min: Wales 0 England 0

Bale hardly had a kick but he must be injured because Johnson was ready to come on with five minutes to go after Page received a signal from his captain.


08:05 PM

Gareth Bale has been substituted

Brennan Johnson replaces him.


07:57 PM

Half-time verdict

England have looked very comfortable without finding the breakthrough. We have seen how sharp they can be when they move it quickly from back to front, which is why they have looked more dangerous whenever they have won back possession and been able to find space on the counter attack. Whenever England have moved out of second gear, Wales have been holding on a bit. Obviously we want more of that energy from an England perspective. In the context of the group and qualification, it is all a bit straightforward at the moment. The onus is on Wales in the second half, really.


07:55 PM

As it stands

USA are leading Iran 1-0 which means if results match half-time scores England will finish top on five points by goal difference. USA would be second on five points, Iran third on three, Wales fourth on two.


07:54 PM

Here's the Rashford chance

The punditry consensus is he should have tried to take it round the keeper, either succeeding or forcing the foul:


07:51 PM

Half-time: Wales 0 England 0

From the goal-kick, Wales earn a throw-in which inspires some shoving and posturing between Roberts and Rashford. Roberts takes a short one, Mepham lays it off and Allen hammers a left-foot shot from 23 yards or so over the bar.


07:50 PM

45+4 min: Wales 0 England 0

Stones flies high for the corner but Ampadu does a good job, taking a blow from the brow to his forehead for his diligence and the ball loops towards Ward who takes it smartly under the bar.


07:49 PM

45+2 min: Wales 0 England 0

Brennan Johnson is getting stripped to come on. Kane links up with Bellingham who squares it to Shaw but his cross is scrambled away. Back comes Maguire, takes it into the box and gives it to Kane to try to work an opening to shoot. There isn't one but takes it on anyway, screwing a shot wide. The ref sees a Wales touch and awards the corner. Not sure there was one.

Marcus Rashford hooks his overhead over the bar - REUTERS/Marko Djurica
Marcus Rashford hooks his overhead over the bar - REUTERS/Marko Djurica

07:45 PM

45 min: Wales 0 England 0

Bellingham faces up Roberts on the left, wiggles his shoulders, feints with his hips, and forces Roberts to lash it behind for a corner. Foden takes it, aiming for Maguire but it's an inch or two too high.

Five minutes of stoppage time are to be played.


07:44 PM

44 min: Wales 0 England 0

Wales defend the corner solidly but they can't keep hold of the ball and England come back at them, Kane overegging a diagonal for Foden that he tried top trap balletically but could get nothing more than his toenails to it.


07:42 PM

42 min: Wales 0 England 0

England corner on the left after Rashford's cross is turned behind by Roberts after fine work by Foden and Kane. Rashford chases a seemingly lost cause down the right from the corner, forcing Davies to head behind for another.


07:40 PM

40 min: Wales 0 England 0

Rashford essays an overhead kick after Walker's cross is deflected and loops up. Roberts and Mepham are far too slack, giving him the space but he shins it and reprieves them.


07:38 PM

38 min: Wales 0 England 0

Kane plays it into Bellingham who flicks it outrageously and takes the pass back in the box from Rashford's backheel. He opens his body on the right and rolls a pass to Foden who spins and larrups a left-foot riser over the bar.


07:36 PM

36 min: Wales 0 England 0

Wales fans are singing their national anthem, drowning England's 'You're going home in the morning'.

Williams bows out. Roberts replaces him. Poor lad. He looks gutted. Williams, that is. Not Roberts. That's a concussion substitution, meaning Wales can make five more.


07:34 PM

34 min: Wales 0 England 0

Williams goes down again. He'll have to come off.


07:33 PM

32 min: Wales 0 England 0

Shaw passes short to Rashford then gets on his bike, storming into the box, but Rashford plays the return too early and catches him on the heels before he had time to turn.


07:32 PM

30 min: Wales 0 England 0

Maguire goes on a 40-yard run into the box, succumbs to vertigo and absolutely lashes his left-foot cross out for a throw.

Neco Williams - Michael Steele/Getty Images
Neco Williams - Michael Steele/Getty Images

07:30 PM

28 min: Wales 0 England 0

Wales are celebrating every crunching tackle but it's the only part of their game that is fully functioning so far. Ramsey slides in to dispossess Kane and Henderson fouls Allen to stop Wales getting past halfway.

Then James flies into one with Stones after his poor touch and is booked for his late arrival, planting his studs into Stones' laces.


07:27 PM

Jamie Carragher's thoughts

England have been slow and careful in possession but dangerous when winning the ball higher up the pitch. With a higher tempo they will pin the Welsh back.


07:26 PM

26 min: Wales 0 England 0

After Williams is deemed OK to continue, the ref restarts with an uncontested bounce-up and England start probing again.


07:25 PM

24 min: Wales 0 England 0

Free-kick for England on the right for a chop on Henderson following a fine cross from Shaw that the Liverpool captain couldn't take in his stride. The ball is sent to the far post from the free-kick, eluding Stones. Rashford runs to collect and unleashes a pile driver after cutting in that pole-axes Williams. On come the physio for a concussion test. He wore that on the crown of his head.


07:21 PM

21 min: Wales 0 England 0

Moore slides in late on Walker who was shepherding an overhit pass back to Pickford and hooks him round the shins, felling him like a plane tree in a storm.


07:20 PM

19 min: Wales 0 England 0

Shaw takes it in the end, bending it to the far post to meet the runs of Bellingham and Maguire. Ampadu does very well to hold off Maguire who heads it behind from a very tight angle. He wants a corner but I don't think the last touch was off a red shirt.

Here's the Ward save:

Marcus Rashford of England has his shot blocked by Goalkeeper Danny Ward - Kieran McManus/Shutterstock
Marcus Rashford of England has his shot blocked by Goalkeeper Danny Ward - Kieran McManus/Shutterstock

07:17 PM

17 min: Wales 0 England 0

Mepham swipes Kane across the ankles as Kane turned away from him in the inside-left channel. Free-kick about 25 yards from goal. Henderson stands over it with Rice.


07:16 PM

16 min: Wales 0 England 0

Shaw bends in the free-kick that curls beyond the far post and is worked to Foden who cuts in on his left and thumps a left-foot daisycutter wide of the right post. Ward, from the resulting goal-kick, shanks his clearance into touch and bursts out laughing as England fans taunt him.


07:14 PM

14 min: Wales 0 England 0

Walker pings a 50-yard diagonal to Shaw who tries to dink it past Williams and is thwarted when the Forest full-back sticks out a hand. Free-kick. About 30 yards out on the left.


07:13 PM

12 min: Wales 0 England 0

Williams and Ampadu both overhit long passes and Pickford picks off the former's. England build from the back again.

Marcus Rashford - REUTERS/Carl Recine
Marcus Rashford - REUTERS/Carl Recine

07:11 PM

9 min: Wales 0 England 0

Good save from Ward who was mustard off his line after Rice win the ball and nudged it to Kane in a pocket 45 yards from goal. Rashford made the run, cutting from outside left to centre and towards goal, but Ward was too quick even for the whizzy Rashford and slid in to block a split second after Rashford got his toe to dink it.


07:09 PM

7 min: Wales 0 England 0

Bit of a phoney war so far. Plenty of sparring, not much punching. England are pressing but hardly gegen/heavy metal style in midfield. Wales are patiently waiting for an opportunity.


07:07 PM

Player ratings

Be as judgmental as you like. Mark the players out of 10:


07:06 PM

5 min: Wales 0 England 0

Joe Allen wins a tackle and is then fouled. England are pushing Wales back but no penetration so far as Wales retreat into a fairly low block.

Stuart Andrew, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Sport, Tourism, Heritage and Civil Society, wears an armband reading "One Love" prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar - Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Stuart Andrew, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Sport, Tourism, Heritage and Civil Society, wears an armband reading "One Love" prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar - Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

07:04 PM

3 min: Wales 0 England 0

Rashford, starting on the left, takes a pass from Shaw and dribbles harum scarum fashion into the box, the ball never quite under total control and it ultimately costs him as Mepham and Williams get in his way.


07:02 PM

2 min: Wales 0 England 0

Ampadu, who can play as a spare man at the back, is in midfield alongside Allen, and Wales have gone to 4-2-3-1. Nice control by Stones to mop up a long pass and deal with it calmly. England sweep the ball from side to side at the back. Deja vu.


07:01 PM

1 min: Wales 0 England 0

Both sides take a knee for about eight seconds during the countdown then stand up and Wales kick off, attacking from left to right. Kane, initially, is staying high. But that won't last.


06:58 PM

Both sides are in their home kits

England in white shirts, navy shorts and white socks; Wales in scarlet shirts, white shorts, scarlet socks.


06:57 PM

A World Cup theme this time

Is replica World Cups being brandished by fans, as was the case during God Save the King by some very emotional men.


06:55 PM

Out come the teams

And it's time for the national anthems, beginning with Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.


06:53 PM

Luke Edwards is below the line in the comments

Should you wish to debate the match and its talking points with our Northern Football Writer.


06:50 PM

According to some sages on social media

Jordan Henderson was booed by some fools in England shirts while warming up.

Here's Southgate on his changes up front: "We think they [Wales] can cause problems so we have brought freshness into team. Both trained well and were unfortunate not to be in the team already."

And in defence: "Kyle is ready to start now and it's good to get him in. We hope the result takes us into last 16 and him getting some football will be helpful."

Walker and Foden - REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
Walker and Foden - REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

06:45 PM

And here he is


06:43 PM

The BBC has pulled off a hell of a coup

Getting Stormzy "to introduce the new breed of Lions. Don't you dare take these boys down. Their adversity is our adversity. Their glory is all of our glories. Rise up. Fear nothing. Fear no one. And bring it home."


06:41 PM

Meanwhile ... back home

"They'll be thinking about us, when we are far away. Back home, they'll be really behind us, in every game we play."

England fans at BOXPARK Croydon prepare to watch England play Wales in their third match of the Qatar FIFA World Cup - Jamie Lashmar/Story Picture Agency
England fans at BOXPARK Croydon prepare to watch England play Wales in their third match of the Qatar FIFA World Cup - Jamie Lashmar/Story Picture Agency

06:36 PM

Thom Gibbs is soaking up the pre-match atmosphere

This is stadium seven of eight visited for me at this World Cup, it somehow seems a bit more permanent inside than most of the others. Almost all of them will be significantly downsized or, in the case of shipping container thought experiment Stadium 974, entirely dismantled once the tournament has finished. Ahmad Bin Ali will lose half of its seats. Quite hard to see how, but I am very much not a construction professional.

Atmosphere outside an hour before kick off was flat. Plenty here in shirts, flags and bucket hats affiliated to both countries, but it's striking how much more fiery the approach to Uruguay vs Portugal at Lusail was last night. A huge difference in vibe when it's South American or African teams playing at this tournament compared to Europeans.

Seen more Bellingham shirts than any others among the England fans, but fairly sure I'm sitting directly above the friends and family section here, surely the only explanation for the row of three Mount 19 shirts.

Phil Foden - Kieran McManus/Shutterstock
Phil Foden - Kieran McManus/Shutterstock

06:31 PM

Matt Law reports

Lots more England flags inside the stadium tonight than we saw in England;s first two games against Iran and USA. The Ahmad bin Ali Stadium is next door to the Mall of Qatar, which is pretty much the same as a Westfield. England and Wales fans were mingling pre-game while looking around the shops and eating in the food court.

The one and only Chesney Hawkes will be providing the half-time entertainment inside the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. No doubt both sets of fans will be able to join in with a singalong.


06:29 PM

Jamie Carragher: I like this refreshed England XI

I like this team. I like the changes. Gareth Southgate has freshened it up. It is important to give three or four players a rest, but also to ensure three or four others are up to speed for when they are needed in the knockout stages. He has focused the changes on the areas where intensity is needed – the wide attackers and the addition of Jordan Henderson.

Bringing Kyle Walker in is the right decision. His pace at the back is going to be vital if England are to go deep into the tournament.

We all asked for Phil Foden, so it is over to him now. Hopefully he will show everyone his quality on the biggest stage.


06:28 PM

A swansong or Last Dance?

Gareth Bale was asked by the BBC whether he could make the Red Wall smile? "That's the plan," he says.

Gareth Bale - ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP via Getty Images
Gareth Bale - ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP via Getty Images

06:25 PM

Gareth Southgate

Is all smiles before kick-off. He's gone with the white zip-up knitted T-shirt again. Strong Style Council vibe circa Cost of Loving (if he had a shave).

Gareth Southgate - Shaun Botterill/FIFA via Getty Images
Gareth Southgate - Shaun Botterill/FIFA via Getty Images

06:19 PM

BBC is just showing Daniel Sturridge's winner from Euro 2016

When they played in their group game in Lens, England winning 2-1. Survivors in the starting XI that day for England: Kane and Walker. For Wales: Bale, Ramsey, Allen and  Davies.

Daniel Sturridge of England celebrates after scoring the winning goal during the UEFA EURO 2016 - EPA/ROLEX DELA PENA
Daniel Sturridge of England celebrates after scoring the winning goal during the UEFA EURO 2016 - EPA/ROLEX DELA PENA

06:15 PM

Good evening

Thanks to David Cosgrove for holding the fort while I was still engaged with Netherlands vs Qatar. Tonight's group winners will take on Senegal while the runners-up will face a last 16 match against Netherlands on Saturday. Here are the permutations:

England victory win the group.

England draw win the group unless Iran beat USA or USA defeat Iran by four goals or more.

England lose Go through unless they lose by at least four goals. They can still top the group by losing by three goals or fewer if Iran draw with USA.

Wales victory has to be by at least four goals to qualify for last 16.

Wales victory by fewer than four goals they can only go through if the other match ends in a draw.

Wales draw or lose on the plane home.


05:54 PM

Four changes for England

As predicted by our very own Matt Law earlier. Walker, Henderson, Foden and Rashford are in, with Trippier, Mount, Saka and Sterling out.

Three changes for Wales... and a different formation.

Ward starts in goal with Hennessey suspended after his red card against Iran, while Allen (who was struggling with injury ahead of the tournament) comes into midfield. Dan James, who started the first game, replaces his Fulham team-mate Harry Wilson in the XI.

Interestingly, Wales have reverted to a back four after playing with three at the back in their opening two games.


05:48 PM

Team news klaxon

Wales: Danny Ward, Neco Williams, Ben Davies, Chris Mepham, Joe Rodon, Joe Allen, Aaron Ramsey, Gareth Bale, Dan James, Ethan Ampadu, Kieffer Moore.

England: Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden.


05:41 PM

'I just want a good game of football'

The King just wants a "good game of football" from England's World Cup clash against Wales, a former player has claimed.

Gary Bennett said he asked Charles who he will be supporting in the match, after collecting his MBE at Windsor Castle on Tuesday.

Gary Bennett receives his MBE from the King - PA/Yui Mok
Gary Bennett receives his MBE from the King - PA/Yui Mok

05:32 PM

Video: The view from both sets of fans


05:29 PM

Rate the players

Our new player ratings tool lets you have your say on who has starred and who has struggled.

It will be available to use after kick-off – and offer live scores on all the players throughout the game.


05:24 PM

Elsewhere today

Senegal and the Netherlands have booked their last-16 places – and it could well be the Afcon winners next for England.


05:11 PM

Predict the score

Who do you think will come out on top?


05:08 PM

Where will England vs Wales be won and lost?

Set pieces? Goalkeepers? The bench?

Mike McGrath analyses the crucial areas which could decide tonight's game.


05:03 PM

England team news

Telegraph Sport's Matt Law broke the news earlier today that Gareth Southgate is plotting a shake-up of his starting XI tonight.

This is the team we expect to start against Wales: Pickford; Walker, Maguire, Stones, Shaw; Henderson, Rice, Bellingham; Foden, Kane, Rashford.


04:56 PM

Here we go

By David Cosgrove

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of England vs Wales at the 2022 World Cup.

Both sides can still qualify from Group B but their chances of securing a place in the knockout stages are at opposing ends of the scale of likelihood.

After a win and a draw in their opening two games, The Three Lions will progress barring an absolute disaster. The equation for Gareth Southgate's side is simple... avoid a four-goal defeat and they will be in the last 16.

It's more complicated for Wales. Realistically, they need to win and hope the USA and Iran draw in the other 7pm kick-off – and that would be enough to sneak through.

(More optimistic Welsh fans may note a four-goal win for Rob Page's side would render the other result moot and see them through regardless...)

Perhaps comfortable with his side's chances of avoiding a thumping defeat, Southgate has opted to shuffle his pack.

Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Kyle Walker and Jordan Henderson will be drafted in, with Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka, Mason Mount and Kieran Trippier dropping out of the XI who started the forgettable goalless draw against the USA.

Welsh boss Page, meanwhile, has been urged by his players to let them off the leash in order to replicate the template the Americans used to stifle England so successfully on Friday night.

Wales are still searching for their first World Cup win since 1958 – and a first against their neighbours since 1984. In the run-up to the game, Southgate shared his respect for the Welsh squad led by talisman Gareth Bale.

He said: "They obviously have some world-class players who can produce moments of brilliance and have done for a long time with their clubs, with their country.

"They have a good spirit, they have a good organisation... and we know that they seem to have additional motivation to play against England from what they're saying."

We will have all the team news and build-up for you before kick-off and then live updates throughout the game – plus all the post-match fallout.