Photo credit: Sports Vision
Southgate made some bold changes to his formation for this clash with old foes Wells. He promoted Foden to the starting line-up, partnering Rashford on the left and right flanks, whilst dropping Sterling and Saka.Bellingham was placed at the heart of the midfield, whilst the back four was filled by Henderson and Rice. Walker also comes in at right back.
Wells had no way back but still failed to put out a stronger line-up. They brought on veteran Joe Allan for this final game to partner Aaron Ramsey, with Bale still on the left wing, Daniel James on the right and Moore up front.
(Starting lineup shown)
England took control of the ball at the start of the game, with Wells looking passive and struggling to regain possession, Bellingham continued his excellent form from the first game, playing on the left side of the pitch and passing the ball around, Foden was aggressive and Rashford was constantly on the lookout for a breakaway goal. This combination was a much more potent attacking force than Sterling and Saka, especially with Harry Kane's flexibility to drop back or pull the ball out of his side with pinpoint accuracy, and the ability to score on both flanks.
However, Wells' three midfielders stayed close together in the first half, forming a seven-man defensive formation which made it difficult for England to break through. The Wells midfield retreated too deep and were virtually disconnected from the front three.Aaron Ramsey stealthily retreated to the back and Daniel James, whilst attempting to drop back to assist, did not perform well.Bale stayed forward for most of the game and did not drop back, resulting in the Wells midfield not being able to deliver crosses and provide support for him.
Photo credit: Sports Vision
England also struggled to break through in the first half against the Welsh barricade. However, they managed to force Welsh right back Neco Williams off the field with an injury, and the uninspired Bale was replaced at the start of the second half. Just five minutes later, England were given a free kick upfield at 50 and Rashford drove the ball, curling a high speed shot into the far post where the keeper moved to his right too early, resulting in the ball coming in to his left when he was unable to make a save.
Photo credit: Sports Vision
England then scored a quick second from the next kick-off, Rashford and Harry Kane forced a tackle on a Wells backpass, forcing Ben Davies to fumble the backpass, Harry Kane grabbed the ball and played it straight down the right side, the ball went across the box to the far post and Foden had an easy kick at it.
After scoring two goals, Wells had given up the resistance. Despite their attempts to break through with draws, Pickford managed to parry all shots. On 68 Rashford received a long pass on the left of the front post on a counter attack, dinked the ball past substitute Connors Roberts and then fired a quick rolling shot straight at Joe Rondon, through Joe Rondon, with keeper Ward missing the oncoming shot to allow Rashford an easy score.
Photo credit: Sports Vision
Wales completely collapsed as England practiced for the second half hour with no attacking intent. In the end, the match ended in a big win for England as they advanced to the round of sixteen at the top of the group, while Wells dropped to the bottom of the group and were eliminated. The final spot in Group B was taken by the United States. Next up, England will face tough Senegal in the round of sixteen, while the United States will take on the consistent Netherlands. For England, the attacking formation for this match is quite good, especially Foden and Rashford are in good form and impactful, and Harry Kane is still in form. This attacking formation seems to be better than the previous two games, but Senegal are quite fierce and it will be a tough battle for the English defense.
World Cup Report
World Cup First Round Report - England 6-2 Iran, Netherlands 2-0 Senegal
World Cup First Round - Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
World Cup First Round Report - Brazil 2-0 Serbia
World Cup Second Round Report - Argentina 2-0 Mexico
World Cup Second Round Report - Spain 1-1 Germany
World Cup Final Round Report - England 3-0 Wales
