Marcus Rashford fired England into the knockout stages of Qatar 2022 and then warned the world ... the best is yet to come.
The Manchester United striker, now one of the leaders in the race for the Golden Boot, struck his second and third goals of the tournament to put the Welsh to the sword.
And Rashford, who had over a year in the international wilderness after the Euro 2020 final, described the victory over Wales as what he ‘plays football for.’ He said: “It is a great feeling. Moments like this - this is what I play football for. The biggest moments, the best moments.
“I’m happy we are going through to the next round of the tournament because I have massive ambitions for this team and I think we can play even better than we did today."
Rashford’s second half strikes sandwiched a Phil Foden tap-in as Southgate’s side cruised into the last 16 and a Sunday night date with Senegal in the Al Bayt Stadium. Rashford’s first goal was a stunning set-piece effort after Foden had won the free-kick. The defeat meant Wales finished bottom of Group B and Gareth Bale had to be withdrawn at half-time with a hamstring problem.
Mirror Football's John Cross was at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Qatar and ran the rule over Southgate's men, while Darren Lewis was sat beside him and gave his opinion on Rob Page's side. Here is how they rated the Three Lions and the Welsh.
ENGLAND (4-3-3)
Jordan Pickford 7
Best save of the night was from his own player after Maguire deflected a shot.
Kyle Walker 7
His pace and aggression was good. Looks fully fit again after injury.
John Stones 7
Very comfortable night and composed in possession. Partnership with Maguire is untouchable.
Harry Maguire 7
His new found confidence saw him stride forward Beckenbauer style. Good.
Luke Shaw 7
Has become one of England’s guaranteed starters and produced another good display.
Jordan Henderson 7
Not always a favourite with the fans but works so hard and puts in a shift for the team.
Declan Rice 8
Impressive again. Shielded the defence, broke up play, made things happen.
Jude Bellingham 7
Much better again. He played a more advanced role and made things happen. Good.
Phil Foden 8
After so much clamour for him to start, it took a while but he then came up trumps.
Harry Kane 7
Got an assist, played well overall and even got an early bath. He’ll get his goals, don’t worry.
Marcus Rashford 8
Fabulous free kick for the opener, played a part in the second goal and got another.
Substitutes
Wilson, for Kane, 58 mins, 6
Alexander-Arnold, for Walker, 58 mins, 6
Phillips, for Rice, 58 mins, 6
Trippier, for Shaw, 66 mins, 6
Grealish, for Rashford, 76 mins
WALES
Ward 5
Did well to stop Rashford after nine minutes. Couldn't stop his goals though. Even though he should have done better with the second.
N Williams 5 (Roberts 36 CONC),
Did well until he was forced off after failing to recover from the impact of Rashford’s shot against his head.
B Davies 4
Lost the ball to Rashford who started the move for the 51st-minute second goal.
Mepham 4
Lucky Rashford didn’t score after he failed to cut out Kane through ball. Slow to react to Kane’s ball for Foden’s goal.
Rodon 4
Unable to prevent Kane from sending the ball across the box for Foden to score.
Allen 4
Brought in to bring discipline to the midfield but another who misplaced passes.
Ramsey 3
Just couldn’t impose himself on the game. Booked for lunge on Henderson. Probably out of frustration.
Ampadu 4
Winded late in the first half. Forced into a rearguard action by England’s menace.
James 5
Actually not that bad an effort from the left which flew narrowly wide of goal.
Bale 4
So that looks like World Cup that for Wales’ greatest player. Off at half time. Looked to be troubled by injury.
Moore 4
Unlucky not to see his long-range effort wrong-foot England keeper Jordan Pickford.
Substitutions
Roberts for N Williams (36) 4
Johnson for Bale (45) 5
Morrell for Davies (60) 5
Wilson for James (76) 5
Referee : Slavko Vincic 6
Man of the match: Marcus Rashford - Two goals and played a part in another.
