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Tom Coleman

Today's World Cup news as England claim they 'broke Wales' spirit' and Michael Sheen sends players message

Here's your round-up of all the latest World Cup headlines for Wednesday, November 30.

Southgate claims England broke Wales' spirit

Triumphant England boss Gareth Southgate claims his side broke Wales' morale by netting two quick-fire goals during a devastating second half performance that sealed the Three Lions' spot in the last 16 of the World Cup.

England sent Wales crashing out of the competition courtesy of a 3-0 win, with Marcus Rashford netting either side of Phil Foden's strike, with the latter netting just moments after the Manchester United star had handed his side the lead with a stunning freekick.

And it was a period that Southgate believes broke the back of any Welsh resistance.

"I thought in the first half we controlled the game but didn't create enough chances," Southgate told BBC Sport. "We wanted more thrust and threat, to play forward quicker. Once we got the two goals, we knew their spirit was gone, it has been a tough tournament for them."

The England boss reserved special praise for Rashford, saying: "It's great for him, he has trained really well. He has been impressive since he came back to us, he could have had a hat-trick. That free kick is what he is capable, it's an incredible strike.

"In moments, I thought both of them [Rashford and Foden] were quiet in the first half, so we switched wings. They responded well, for both to get goals was great."

Sheen's message to players

Michael Sheen has thanked the Wales team for getting the nation to a world Cup in the first place following their exit.

Sheen has been one of the side's biggest supporters in recent times, delivering a memorable and powerful speech to the players before they headed to Qatar.

The actor said late on Tuesday night: " DIOLCH CYMRU! What a privilege to support you @Cymru

"Thank you for giving us the chance to take part in a World Cup. You brought us all together and make us proud always. #TogetherStronger".

What happened with Neco Williams

Wales boss Rob Page has explained what happen with Neco Williams. Williams left the field in the second half after taking a knock to the head. He initially was deemed ok to stay on after medical checks but was removed soon after.

Page said: "Neco took a blow to the head so there’s protocols in place, understandably for concussion. He passed the initial test, FIFA OK’d him to stay on the pitch.

"But he was advised that if he showed any signs of any symptoms then to flag it up straight away, and that’s what he did. There was no second thought at all.

"He was off straight away. We’ve covered all of the guidelines and the FIFA doctor has OK’d it.”

Rashford's poignant celebration

Marcus Rashford revealed he dedicated his opener for England to a friend who recently passed away from cancer.

The forward fell to his knees after netting a superb freekick, and could be seen pointing up at the sky.

Rashford added a second following a fine individual effort later on in the second half, capping off a fine performance as his side cruised to victory.

After the match he revealed the reasoning behind his celebration for that opener.

"Unfortunately I lost one of my friends a couple of days ago," he said. "He’s had quite a long battle with cancer so I’m pleased I managed to score for him.

"He’s always been a big supporter of mine, he was just a great person."

Bale backs Wales to bounce back

Gareth Bale says Wales will have little trouble in picking themselves up after their World Cup exit.

Bale insists he has no intention of walking away from international football, and says he'll be raring to go for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers, adding that he believes his side can bounce back from their disappointing showing in Qatar.

“It won’t be difficult. The one thing this group does is bounce back very well and the characters in that dressing room are amazing. The togetherness is incredible. We’d love to have done better but we’ll go again in march looking to qualify for another major tournament.

"The fans have been incredible – the fans who are here, the ones at home, we give 100% we’d love to have gone further but we’ve given everything and I think the fans know that. They need to stick with us when we go again in march. We look forward to playing again."

Read more:

Wales put out of World Cup misery by England as sobering tournament must signal changing of the guard

Rob Page praises players' 'excellent' first-half display vs England and says Gareth Bale will likely play on for Wales

Wales put out of World Cup misery as sobering tournament must signal changing of the guard

The Wales v England player ratings as Gareth Bale's World Cup ends in misery after mauling

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