PLAYER RATINGS: Marcus Rashford’s confident display STUNNED Wales as Jude Bellingham impressed again

England secured the top spot in Group B thanks to a sensational second-half performance that saw them beat Wales 3-0 in Al Rayyan on Tuesday.

Two minutes into the second-half, the Three Lions scored twice. Marcus Rashford got a remarkable 50th-minute free-kick before Phil Foden doubled their lead with a tap in from close range. 

Rashford hit a third goal in the final minute of the 68th to seal the win and send Gareth Southgate’s team into the quarterfinals. World Cup knockouts were achieved by Wales, who was eliminated from the tournament. Now, the final Group B clash has been concluded. Sportsmail Each player has been rated at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.

ENGLAND

Goalkeeper

Jordan Pickford – 6

Should’ve brought a magazine with him to read in the first half. Didn’t have anything else to do! Never in danger to concede the four goals Wales needed. To keep his clean sheets, he was alert in second half. 

Defenders

Kyle Walker – 7

It was the first time since October 2, and he looked strong. Gives Southgate a nice problem for the knockout stages – does he go with terrific Trippier or wonderful Walker? Manchester City man didn’t do himself any harm here. 

John Stones – 7

Even though he was surrounded with red shirts, his coolness at the ball was refreshing. Stones radiates confidence and seems to love partnering Maguire. Wales didn’t seem to bother either of them. 

Harry Maguire – 7.5

Southgate might have been tempted by Maguire’s absence, but 6ft 5in Moore was starting for Wales so his aerial dominance was necessary. Given the debate surrounding him, Maguire’s given a good account of himself in these group stages.

John Stones (L), and Harry Maguire(R) both defended well to maintain a second consecutive clean sheet

Luke Shaw – 7

His side was targeted by the USA to great effect but this was Shaw Yank Redemption. He was much more safe and secure on England’s left wing, despite having Bale for company in the first half. When he could, he flew forward. 

Midfielders

Declan Rice – 7

Nobody is better at winning the ball back than Rice, who stole possession prior to Rashford’s early chance. Once the win was as good as England’s, he was given a well-earned rest and substituted for his Euro 2020 partner Phillips. 

Jordan Henderson – 7

After England’s defeat in the midfield battle, Southgate switched Henderson for Mason Mount. Henderson’s drive and determination was infectious in the middle of the park. England benefited from his experiences. 

Jude Bellingham – 7.5

Beautiful slick play from the 19-year-old to create a first-half chance for Foden – the best passing move of the match. After Despite playing a poor match against the USA, the mature player was able to overcome that and stand up. 

Jude Bellingham, 19 years old, impressed England again with her trickery and smart passing in midfield

Forward 

Phil Foden – 8.5

Foden received a lot of attention. Southgate heard him and began him. He was eager to prove himself. England won the free kick from England thanks to their trickiness. It was lovely to see Foden get a goal of his very own. 

Marcus Rashford – 9

Tried to lift the ball over Ward when one-on-one but Wales’ goalkeeper denied him. His free-kick was not stopped, however. His second goal came after he switched from the left to the right wing. He is versatile and full of confidence. 

Harry Kane – 7.5

This is still a goal. World Cup, but I have every faith he’ll get on the scoresheet soon enough. Foden will score with a lovely low cross. He’s not only a great goalscorer – he’s a creator supreme. England’s Mr. Undroppable. 

Gareth Southgate made the crucial decision to combine Phil Foden with Marcus Rashford.

Manager

Gareth Southgate – 8

Foden was born after USA’s deadlock. After a smooth night, England won the second half and took control of the match. 

Substitutes

Callum Wilson (for Kane 58) – 6

Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Walker 57) – 6

Kalvin Phillips (for Rice 58) – 6

Kieran Trippier (for Shaw 65) – 6

Jack Grealish (for Rashford 75) – 6

Rashford opened the scoring in the 68th minute with a wonderful free-kick. He then scored a brace. 

WALES

Goalkeeper

Danny Ward – 3

Assisting Wayne Hennessey, who was suspended. It was a good decision to deny Rashford in the first half. However, his second-half saves were not successful. England’s third goal flew through his legs. 

Defenders

Neco Williams – 5

After Williams was a left wingback for two games, and then switched to right back. But after getting his head in the way of Rashford’s rasping shot, he was replaced by Roberts as a concussion substitute. 

Chris Mepham – 4

Thankful to see his goalkeeper come to the rescue when he couldn’t stop Kane’s pass from getting behind Wales’ back line. In the second half, Wales collapsed. 

Joe Rodon – 4

Wales’ game plan was to defend deep and hope for a late winner. It didn’t work. As a result, Rodon was against it and given a troubling evening by Rashford and Co. 

Ben Davies – 3

Rashford was my task, but it was losing. Lost the ball in the build-up to England’s second goal. Night to forget for Davies & Wales 

While Ben Davies, the Welsh star, did a good job in the first half of defense but was at fault when England scored the second goal.

Midfielders 

Ethan Ampadu – 5

It’s not easy facing an England midfielder like Rice, Bellingham, and Henderson. He tried to defend his defense with Allen, but Wales overran him just like in the Iran match. 

Joe Allen – 5

Preferred over Harry Wilson, the so-called ‘Welsh Xavi’ or ‘Pembrokeshire Pirlo’ was given the chance to show why he won such illustrious nicknames in the past. One shot was cut well. 

Aaron Ramsey – 5

We have one last chance to see the footballer that we all know. Sadly Ramsey doesn’t have the legs he once did and couldn’t influence the play enough for his country here. 

Daniel James, speedy winger and defender, was unable to cause any damage to the Three Lions’ defense with his pace from behind

Forward 

Daniel James – 4

England was dominating this game from the beginning. I felt lonely being on the left wing. Hard to be a ball carrier when your team don’t have the ball. Walker was very kind to him. 

Gareth Bale – 2

Sad to see what is likely to be Bale’s final World Cup ends in such anonymity. I don’t recall him ever touching the ball. Johnson replaced him at half time, possibly after a knock. It was not his night. 

Kieffer Moore – 5

Wales’ lone striker at the head of their 4-2-3-1 set-up. They didn’t play to his strengths at all or get runners around him. Moore cannot be held responsible for defeat. 

Manager

Rob Page – 2

‘You’re going home in the morning,’ sang England’s supporters. Yes, they are. Wales didn’t show any intent here. They used tactic that was all wrong and didn’t give themselves any chance. 

Gareth Bale was a star forward who struggled to make an immediate impact on the pitch before he was replaced at half-time 

Substitutes

Connor Roberts (for Williams 35) – 5

Brennan Johnson (for Bale 45) – 5

Joe Morrell (for Davies 59) – 5

Harry Wilson James 77

Rubin Colwill (for Allen 81)

Referee

Slavko Vincic 6

Stern Slovenian’s only other World Cup match Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia. It never looked like another upset was in the cards. Vincic can officiate in a straightforward evening.