Tonight’s match was a must win for Wales if they wanted any chance of progressing through to the Round of 16. England only had to avoid a 4-0 loss to face either the Netherlands or Senegal.
There was an early chance for Marcus Rashford, after he was played in by Harry Kane, but he just couldn’t beat goalkeeper Danny Ward.
Despite the wave of English attack, the Welsh defence stood strong. Unfortunately for Wales, a casualty of that resilient defence was Neco Williams, who had to be replaced by Connor Roberts due to a suspected concussion.
There was then a beautiful piece of play by England, but Phil Foden was not able to put away Marcus Rashford’s flick and Stones also came close with a header as the game entered injury time.
Despite England slightly edging the game in terms of chances, there was nothing to separate the sides heading into the break.
HT: 0-0
England came out with intensity in the second half and soon Marcus Rashford was firing in a beautiful free kick, beyond the reach of keeper Danny Ward.
It then only took a further minute for England to double their lead. Harry Kane fired a ball into the box and Phil Foden fired it into the back of the net.
Wales looked to respond though, with both Dan James and Keifer Moore pulling saves out of Pickford in quick succession.
Marcus Rashford looked like a man with a point to prove tonight and soon whipped and weaved his way through the penalty box to get his second of the night.
There were chances for England to get more, with Phil Foden and Jack Grealish coming close, but England knew they had the game won and the top spot in Group B secured.
A round of 16 tie against Senegal awaits England on Sunday, meanwhile Wales go home with just the one goal and their sights set firmly on qualification for Euro 2024.
FT: 0-3
Wales: Ward, N.Williams (36), Mepham, Rodon, B.Davies (59), Allen (81), Ampadu, Bale (46), Ramsey, James (77), Moore.
Subs: Gunter, H.Wilson (77), Johnson (46), Roberts (36), Morrell (59), Lockyer, J.Williams, Harris, A.Davies, Thomas, Levitt, Cabango, Colwill (81), Smith.
England: Pickford, Walker (57), Stones, Maguire, Shaw (65), Henderson, Rice (58), Bellingham, Foden, Kane (57), Rashford (76).
Subs: Grealish (76), Sterling, Trippier (65), Pope, Phillips (58), Dier, Coady, Saka, Alexander-Arnold (57), Mount, Ramsdale, C.Wilson (57), Maddison, Gallagher.