World Cup 2022: England 'step up' in Wales win and show frightening depth of Gareth Southgate's squad

Four changes were made for the crucial game against Wales after England's dour goalless draw with the US.

The front three was changed to include Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden.

The pair scored England's three goals to send the heir team into the round of 16 as Group B winners.

When it counted, the big names who have had to take squad player roles in this England side have produced, according to the coach.

The big players have stepped up. The forwards did not do that in the first half, but in the second half they did.

You need goals all over the place. If the threat is coming from other areas, it's a problem for the opposition. Competition for places is what it is.

Even when first choice players are left out, England are still capable of blowing players away.

The opening game of the group was won by Iran, with two players scoring two goals.

They were left on the bench on Tuesday night after failing to produce against the USA.

It would be difficult for either of them to win their places back, but England would have no reason to worry about that.

Foden andRashford were justified in their starring roles.

Many England fans and pundits were upset that Foden was not used against the US. The Manchester City star did not always bring his club form to international level, but against Wales he showed the guile and flair which the Three Lions sorely lacked.

After not playing for England between the final of Euro 2020 and the opening game of the World Cup, Marcus Rashford has returned to the international scene in a big way.

Foden didn't play because of an injury, while Rashford missed a penalty in the final. The mental shackles were thrown off by both with their performances.

Even though England were not able to score in the first half against Wales, they were still the biggest threat.

The pair had the most shots in the first half.

Two goals in 98 seconds shortly after the break provided England with the spark they needed, and some half-time changes gave them the spark they needed.

The last two goals scored at the World Cup have both come from England players, following the strike by Trippier against Croatia in the semi-finals.

It wasn't just in the attack that England showed their full potential. Jordan Henderson replaced Mason Mount in the middle of the field and provided direction and control to the team.

KalvinPhillips needed the minutes he has been denied at Manchester City both by injury and a reduced squad role. Even against limited opposition, the formerLeeds man showed flashes which show why he is so highly rated.

Kyle Walker had an injury that kept him out of the Iran and USA games, but he looked fine in defence.

Jack Grealish came from the bench and produced a burst of energy. James Maddison's fitness issues made it impossible for him to be given a World Cup bow.

England's nine goals so far in the tournament are the most they have scored in any group stage, and they are only four off their best tally at a major tournament.

Kane is two goals behind Wayne Rooney's all time record, but he hasn't gotten on the board yet. The captain has three assists so far and he set up Foden's goal.

He is the first England player to record multiple assists at a World Cup since David Beckham in 2002.

There is a serious selection dilemma for the last-16 meeting with Senegalese on Sunday. He will be happy about it.

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