2022 World Cup: England into knockout stage, send Wales home

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England defeated Wales at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Tuesday to top Group B and set up a round of 16 tie against the runner-up from Group A.

Phil Foden scored from Harry Kane's pass after Marcus Rashford fired a superb 50th-minute free-kick to give the side a 2-0 lead.

The news and features of the World Cup in 2022.

Wales' first World Cup appearance in 64 years ended in a group stage exit for the first time at a major tournament as MarcusRashford scored twice.

Player ratings, best and worst performers, highlights and notable moments, post- match quotes, and key statistics are included.

Rapid Reaction

1. England advance with Southgate's changes paying off

A change can make you better. After a poor showing against the United States, the England manager made four changes, drafting in MarcusRashford, Phil Foden, Jordan Henderson and Kyle Walker.

England were guilty of moving the ball too slowly in the first half and Wales were determined to stay in the game as long as possible. England came out with greater purpose in the second half and it was Marcus Rashford who provided the spark from a dead ball situation, smashing a 50th minute free-kick past Danny Ward, who will regret taking two small jumps to his right as the ball flew to his left.

The clamour for Foden's inclusion had been widespread and he justified those calls with a well taken second to essentially kill off Wales' hopes with so much time remaining.

It should be noted that Foden's goal was in part the result of the switch of flanks by the two players.

2. Kane doesn't need to score to deliver

Four years after winning the Golden Boot in Russia, Harry Kane is trying to retain it but it doesn't matter to him at the moment. There was a consensus back then that England's hopes of progress rested largely on Kane's clinical finishing, but that is not the case with 2022.

After two assists in England's opening win over Iran, he turned provider once again with a brilliant pass for Foden's goal and sent over a perfectly weighted cross to the far post. Kane could have had an assist in the opening 10 minutes.

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The fitness of Kane has been a topic of debate since he picked up a foot problem against Iran, but the 29-year-old looked sharper here and will benefit from the rest afforded him.

It will annoy Kane that he hasn't found the net yet, but his overall contribution has still been important as he becomes the first England player since David Beckham in 2002 to assist on three goals.

3. Wales exit with a whimper as Bale eyes Euro 2024

If one of the best players of the last decade went out this way, it would be sad. There was speculation that Tuesday could be the last time Bale wears a Wales shirt. It is not certain if he will return to LAFC in February, but he is still under contract with the MLS Cup champion through at least June.

The Welshman said after Tuesday's loss that he wants to play for Wales until Euro 2024, and possibly the frustration at the lack of impact at the World Cup could stoke a fire within him. He touched the ball just seven times in the first 45 minutes and only completed one pass.

It was a surprise when Rob Page took the winger out at the half because he is always capable of a moment of genius. Within five minutes, England had taken the lead and Wales had finished second.

There will be questions over Ramsey's international future given his subdued displays and the fact that he turned 32 in December.

Player ratings

Wales has Ward 5, N Williams 5, Mepham 6, Rodon 6, B Davies 6, Allen 6, Ampadu 6, Bale 4, Ramsey 5, and James 5.

Subs: Roberts 6, Johnson 6, Morrell 6, Wilson 6, Colwill 6.