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Bukayo Saka and England advanced to the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup where they will face Senegal on Sunday.
THE LOWDOWN: IMPRESSIVE FINISH
England faced Wales in their final group game on Tuesday night for their final Group B game. The Three Lions defeated Iran in their first game, where Saka dazzled before playing an insipid goalless draw against USA in their second game.
By virtue of that, they went into the final group match against the Welsh side needing a win to finish top of the group and that they did.
In Saka’s absence, Marcus Rashford scored either side of Phil Foden’s goal to help Gareth Southgate’s side march into the knockout round.
THE LATEST: HOW IT HAPPENED
Marcus Rashford’s double spurred England to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup, beating Wales 3-0 to finish top of Group B and set up a date with Senegal on Sunday.
Having started the first two games, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka was not listed for this game and did not even come on at any point in the game.
After a goalless opening 45 minutes, Rashford opened the scoring with a stunning free-kick just five minutes after the restart before Phil Foden doubled England’s lead just over 60 seconds later.
And Rashford confirmed the three points with his second of the night, ghosting past his marker and firing home to complete England’s second-half blitz.
By virtue of the win, the English side will face off with group A runners-up Senegal – who defeated Ecuador earlier in the day to book their place in the knockout stages.
Saka and England reached the final of the Euros last year and are aiming to repeat the same feat at the World Cup in Qatar and possibly clinch the trophy this time around.
THE VERDICT: A STEP FURTHER
Saka impressed in the first game and didn’t do much in the second game against USA. After getting rest in the final group fixture, he is expected to return in the knockout game against Senegal on Sunday.
The Three Lions have moved a step further but will need to improve their performances if they want to go all the way.
