Fast start decides the friendly
Thomas Tuchel’s England continued their upturn with a comfortable 3 to 0 win over Wales at Wembley. Criticism of the squad choices faded as the hosts scored three times inside twenty minutes. Morgan Rogers finished a Marc Guehi cutback, Ollie Watkins tapped in at the back post, then Bukayo Saka curled in a fine third. It was the quickest England had reached a three goal lead in thirty eight years.
Watkins injury adds a note of concern
Starting for the injured Harry Kane, Watkins missed a simple chance from close range and collided with a post, which led to his withdrawal at half time. Tuchel will hope to have one of his central strikers available for Tuesday’s qualifier in Latvia.
Second half slows as qualifiers loom
Multiple substitutions lowered the tempo after the break. Rogers clipped the bar, while David Brooks forced Jordan Pickford into a save on fifty six minutes, followed by a strong stop from a Chris Mepham header. Pickford’s clean sheet at Wembley extended a year long run, although a late lapse in concentration from England’s defence offered Wales small openings.
Team news and player ratings snapshot
England started Jordan Pickford, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Djed Spence, Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers, Bukayo Saka, Ollie Watkins, Anthony Gordon.
Wales made eight changes, with Joe Rodon, Kieffer Moore and Brennan Johnson among those recalled.
Player of the Match was Morgan Rogers. England’s outfield substitutes included Marcus Rashford, Jordan Henderson, Morgan Gibbs White, Ruben Loftus Cheek, Jarrod Bowen, Ethan Lewis Skelly.
What it means for the World Cup picture
Tuchel has framed England as underdogs for next summer’s tournament. This result does not change that status, yet it supports a growing belief after the win in Serbia. England can clinch qualification in Latvia if Serbia fail to beat Albania on Saturday. Wales now turn to a key home qualifier against Belgium on Monday.
