England have booked their spot in the knockout stages at the World Cup in Qatar following a convincing win over neighbours Wales in their Group B showdown at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Tuesday night.
Marcus Rashford set the tone for England with a breath-taking double as Phil Foden also scored. It was a win made in Manchester with three Manchester United players joined in the starting XI by as many from Manchester City.
Rashford started for the first time in Qatar as Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw were retained. In came Kyle Walker and Foden, too, as Gareth Southgate opted to make four changes following a draw with the United States.
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He was completely justified in doing so, too, as Rashford and Foden had a telling impact on what was an improved display from the Three Lions and they went through as group winners. With two wins and a draw they have booked their place in the last-16 in Qatar and that means they will now face the runners-up from Group A.
Senegal confirmed their progression from Group A on Tuesday afternoon UK time with the Netherlands holding off their late charge for top spot. The African nation secured second place in their group with a 2-1 win over Ecuador with a 70th-minute winner from Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly..
As a result, England will go toe-to-toe with the reigning AFCON champions on Sunday night (7pm) at the Al-Bayt Stadium.
Of course, that is the same venue as the United States game and Southgate will be hoping for a better showing as and when they get down to business.
However, the African side will be without talisman Sadio Mane due to the Bayern Munich forward being ruled out of the World Cup with an injury he picked up with his club.
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