England will play Senegal in the last 16 of the World Cup after Marcus Rashford inspired them to a comfortable win over Wales on Tuesday night.
After a drab first half, England struck twice in quick succession in the second half to take control of their final Group B match. Rashford's powerful free-kick was followed by Phil Foden's tap-in at the back post from Harry Kane's precise cross. Rashford's second, through Danny Ward's legs, then made the result safe at 3-0.
The Three Lions came into the game top of Group B on four points following their 6-2 win over Iran and their 0-0 draw against the USA. They knew victory would send them through top of the group - and that they would face Group A runners-up.
Earlier on Tuesday, Senegal beat Ecuador 2-1 to progress to the last-16 second in Group A, behind the Netherlands. The Senegal game will take place at the Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday, December 4 with a 7pm kick-off.
Had England suffered disappointment and finished as Group B runners-up, they would have booked a fixture against the Netherlands in the next round. That would take place on Saturday, December 3 at the Khalifa International Stadium at 3pm.
Instead, the USA will face the Netherlands after clinching second place in Group B with a 1-0 win over Iran. Christian Pulisic scored the game's only goal to send the Americans through unbeaten, following draws against Wales and England.
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Looking further ahead down England's potential route through the tournament shows a possible tie with defending champions France in the quarter-finals. If England beat Senegal, they would likely face the French in the quarter-finals on Saturday, December 10, providing the 2018 World Cup winners topped their group and one of Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico or Poland in the last-16.
While England have progressed to the next round, Wales are out of the tournament. They have collected just a solitary point from their three Group B games, having been beaten by Iran and England.
Page's side came into the tie confident of causing an upset, but were unable to challenge England. Gareth Bale was substituted at half-time and there was little in the way of attack, as Joe Allen was also forced off.
