England manager Gareth Southgate admits that once England went 2-0 up, he felt the Welsh would crumble
(Image credit: Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
England manager Gareth Southgate says that he felt the "spirit" of Wales disappear during the match.
Southgate saw his side run out 3-0 winners with an excellent second half performance – and reflecting on the display, he commented on the atmosphere within the Welsh camp and their reaction to going two goals down in quick succession.
"In the first half, we really controlled the game but didn't create enough clearcut chances," Southgate told the BBC. "Once we scored the two goals, we knew their spirit had gone – it's been a tough tournament for them.
Marcus Rashford of England celebrates after scoring the first goal of the match (Image credit: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
"In the first half, we really controlled the game but didn't create enough clearcut chances. Once we scored the two goals, we knew their spirit had gone – it's been a tough tournament for them.
"Rashford has been really impressive since he came back in for us. That free-kick – that's incredible, it's what he's capable of."
Gareth Bale goes off at half-time in Wales' World Cup clash against England in Qatar (Image credit: Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford, on from the start in place of Raheem Sterling, broke the deadlock minutes after the break with a wonderfully taken free-kick that was rifled across goalkeeper Danny Ward – in for the suspended Wayne Hennessey. The lead was doubled shortly after, too – when Phil Foden, another player who had earned a start after clamour from fans and pundits, repaid the faith shown to him by Gareth Southgate.
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Foden burst into the penalty area and got to the end of a cross from captain Harry Kane, to make it 2-0 – again, Rashford impressing with his energy to win the ball back. England boss Southgate brought on the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kalvin Phillips, Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier – the former two for their first minutes of the tournament – before Manchester United forward Rashford then scored a second of his own, nutmegging goalkeeper Ward for one of England’s most memorable goals of the World Cup so far. The strike stood as the Three Lions’ 100th goal at World Cups.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
