Rabat – The English national football team qualified for the World Cup’s round of 16 after defeating Wales 3-0 at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Tuesday.
While the first half of the game ended with a goalless draw, Marcus Rashford opened the scoring for the Three Lions at minute 50 from a 20-yard free kick.
The followup goal was quick to come when striker Phil Foden put the ball into the back of the net, securing the round of 16 spot for the English team.
Rashford scored his second goal in the game in the 68th minute, with an assist from Kalvin Phillips
Earlier predictions were in favor of the English team with Opta Analyst reporting that England has a 66% chance to win the game compared to a 13.1% possibility for Wales.
England locked horns with the United States on Friday. The game ended with a goalless draw, securing the team one point in addition to its previously earned three points after a 6-2 victory against Iran in the opening match. This week, England led Group B with four points before the results of today’s game.
As for Wales, the Dragons started the tournament with a 1-1 draw with the US on November 21. The team, however, lost 2-0 against Iran on Friday with the Princes of Persia scoring the two goals in the last 98th and 101st minute.
The Iranian victory was a major surprise for the world of football as the odds were initially in favor of Wales.
The victory cost the Dragons much-needed three points, pushing them to the bottom of the ladder.
Prior to the game, Group B was led by England, followed by Iran, the US, and Wales.
Despite its disadvantageous position, the Wales team was determined to defeat neighboring England.
As defender Chris Mepham stated earlier this week, “The picture is clear now: we have to beat England and be prepping for that. Hopefully, we can be in a position where we give a good account of ourselves and see where it takes us.”
The player stressed that his team can defeat England, “We have shown time and time again when you write us off we will prove people wrong.”
However, the English side was determined to maintain their title after they made it all the way to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals.
Manchester’s forward Marcus Rashford noted earlier that the English team has “shown progression,” adding that the team has “great players, playing top football against the best opposition week in and week out.”
