MY ACCOUNT
Marcus Rashford believes there is more to come from England after his brace helped secure a 3-0 victory over Wales.
Rashford, 25, was handed a start in the World Cup clash by boss Gareth Southgate and repaid that faith with a stunning double to help the Three Lions secure top spot in Group B.
Phil Foden netted the other goal on the night, as Southgate’s side set up a last-16 clash with Senegal on Sunday.
England finished with seven points, thanks to their 6-2 win over Iran and goalless draw with the United States and Rashford is confident that the team has more to give in their next game in Qatar.
The Manchester United forward said: “I’m really happy, I’m happy that we’re going through to the next round.
“Hopefully we can build on this performance because I have massive ambitions for this team and I think we can play even better than we showed today.
“Moments like this, this is what I play football for. The biggest moments, the best moments.
“It’s obviously a great feeling. We were a little bit disappointed as a team after the last game against the United States.
“I thought we could have played a lot better and the only way to bounce back from that is to have a good performance in your next game and I think we did that.
“First half, we defended brilliantly, we didn’t really give them any opportunities and it was just about us killing the game off and taking the chances when they came.”
Gareth’s glee
Southgate heaped praise on his star winger, who struck a free-kick after 50 minutes to open the scoring.
Foden tapped in England’s second moments later, before a surging run and finish from Rashford sealed the victory.
Three Lions boss Southgate, 52, said: “It’s great for him. He’s trained really well, I have to say.
“He’s really been impressive since he came back in with us. He could have had a hat-trick really, the chance in the first half, the one at the near post in the second.
“The free-kick, that is what he’s capable of, it’s an incredible strike really.”
Welsh woe
Wales end their first World Cup campaign in 64 years with just a solitary point, having drawn their opening encounter with USA before falling to a 2-0 loss to Iran.
Winger Daniel James failed to make an impact against England, and was left to rue a difficult night for the Dragons.
James, 25, said: “We always knew it would be tough. I thought we defended well at times but they can score with anything.
“Conceding early [in the second half] killed us. Against these top teams to concede one is difficult, but two in five minutes, it is very hard to come back.
“The game left us after that. We have to look at ourselves — we are super proud to be here, we concentrate on qualifying for the next Euros now.
“I want to thank all the fans who came out here, you have been fantastic.”
