Marcus Rashford was the star of the show in England's 3-0 win over Wales on Tuesday evening which secured the Three Lions qualification to the World Cup last-16. The Manchester United forward netted twice in the victory either side of Phil Foden scoring his first tournament goal.
After a tense first half, Rashford broke the deadlock five minutes after half time with a stunning free kick before Harry Kane delivered a beautiful pass for Phil Foden to double England's lead just minutes later. Rashford then bagged his second latching onto Kalvin Phillips' ball over the Wales back line where he cut inside Connor Roberts and smashed the ball through the legs of Danny Ward to seal England's spot as group-winners.
England winning 6-2 against Iran in their World Cup opener saw Gareth Southgate make no changes to his starting team for their second outing against the USA. However, after a drab 0-0 draw against the Americans, who qualified as group runners-up following their win against Iran, the England manager made four changes.
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Rashford, Foden, Jordan Henderson and Kyle Walker all came into the team replacing Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka, Mason Mount and Kieran Trippier. Southgate was ultimately justified in at least two of those changes as Rashford and Foden were both heavily involved in the win.
Saka and Sterling scoring in England's victory against Iran does now prompt a question for Southgate over who will start as the duo either side of Harry Kane for their last-16 meeting with Group A runners-up Senegal.
Rashford will understandably be full of confidence as he is now one of players at the World Cup on three goals and following his first of the evening there was a noticeable celebration from the 25-year-old which has now been explained.
“I lost one of my friends a couple of days ago," Rashford said in explanation of why he pointed to the sky. "He had quite a long battle with cancer. I’m pleased I scored for him, he was a big supporter and good friend of mine. He was someone who came into my life.”
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