England continued their impressive run of form under Thomas Tuchel with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Wales in a one-sided friendly at Wembley.
A month on from their 5-0 thrashing of Serbia, England hosts flew out of the blocks and were rewarded for their early intensity as Morgan Rogers struck a confident first-time finish beyond Karl Darlow in only the third minute.
After setting up Rogers, Marc Guehi grabbed his second assist of the night just seven minutes later to increase the deficit. This time, Ollie Watkins – starting in place of the injured Harry Kane – was the beneficiary, bundling the ball home from close range.
A returning Bukayo Saka put his recent fitness problems behind him with a stunning strike from the edge of the box to give the hosts a deserved three-goal lead, undoubtedly the standout moment of quality in the contest.
The Three Lions refused to take their foot off the gas against a tiring Welsh defence after the break and Rogers came close to adding his second of the evening, only to be denied by the crossbar.
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Jordan Pickford sprung to his left to keep out Chris Mepham with a top save in the 71st minute and that was as good as it got for the visitors, with England holding firm after ringing the changes in the second half.
England will look to continue in the same vein when they resume their World Cup qualifying campaign against Latvia on Tuesday, having won nine of their last ten matches stretching back to last October.
Tuchel’s men sit seven points clear at the top of Group K ahead of their trip to Riga, knowing two more wins will guarantee them a spot at next year’s tournament.
Here’s how Metro rated the performances of England’s players in the defeat of Wales…
Jordan Pickford – 6
A momentary lapse in concentration from Pickford very nearly gifted Harry Wilson a goal against the run of play in the 33rd minute, but the Everton goalkeeper was a spectator for the most part at Wembley.
Produced a diving save to his left to keep out a well-placed header from Mepham in the one moment he was called upon.
Hasn’t conceded a single goal since England’s 2-1 defeat last October.
Djed Spence – 5
The Spurs full-back did not look out of place in his second appearance for the senior side and is putting together a serious case to be included in Tuchel’s squad should England safely secure passage to the World Cup.
Combined well with Gordon on the left flank and appears to be growing in confidence with every touch of the ball at international level.
Has Tuchel found his man at left-back?
Marc Guehi – 9
Though selected for his defensive qualities, Guehi proved a handful at the other end of the pitch, assisting Rogers with a pinpoint cutback before nodding the ball into Watkins’ path for England’s second.
Booked for a poor challenge on Kieffer Moore towards the end of the first half, but that was the only blemish on an otherwise faultless display from the Crystal Palace captain – now surely one of the first names on Tuchel’s teamsheet.
John Stones – 7
Winning his first cap in exactly a year, there were clearly no nerves for Stones, who even began showboating with an audacious flicked pass out from the back when England were 2-0 in front.
Was replaced in the second half after going down with a concerning injury.
Ezri Konsa – 7
Starting on the right side of Tuchel’s defence, Konsa once again provided an assured presence to England’s new-look backline.
Rarely lets England down and that was the case again tonight at Wembley.
Declan Rice (captain) – 7
Standing in for the injured Harry Kane as skipper, Rice pulled the strings at the heart of Tuchel’s midfield as he has done all season at club level with Arsenal.
Showed real leadership in a relatively inexperienced side and proved once again why he is one of Tuchel’s key men and most trusted lieutenants heading into next year’s World Cup.
Elliot Anderson – 7
After picking up the man-of-the-match award on debut against Andorra, Anderson picked up where he left off with another eye-catching showing for the Three Lions.
Should really have opened his account for England shortly before the break, though.
If there were still any lingering doubts about Anderson’s capability of performing on the international stage, they’ve surely now been extinguished.
Anthony Gordon – 8
Had the first significant chance of the game, but Darlow got down well to deny his instinctive effort.
The Newcastle winger provided a constant threat down the left flank throughout and there was a swagger in his play as the contest wore on. Neco Williams will be glad to see the back of him.
Morgan Rogers – 8
It’s been an up-and-down start to the season for Rogers at club level, but the Villa man was on hand to open the scoring with an exquisite first-time finish past Karl Darlow.
The goal gave Rogers the confidence to take risks and he proved a nuisance with a lethal combination of power and intelligence in the middle of the park.
Could have had a second at the start of the second half, but smashed his effort against the crossbar.
Bukayo Saka – 9
After an injury-hit start to the season with Arsenal, Saka gave Tuchel a reminder of his importance to England’s World Cup hopes with undoubtedly the goal of the game in the 20th minute.
England’s star man on the night.
Ollie Watkins – 7
Given the opportunity to lead the line in Kane’s absence, Watkins did not disappoint. The Villa striker was in the right place at the right time to double England’s advantage with the simplest of tap-ins.
Was taken off at half-time after clattering into the upright. As long as he has escaped serious injury, Watkins will be satisfied with his night’s work.
SUBSTITUTES
Marcus Rashford – 6
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 5
Jordan Henderson – 5
Morgan Gibbs-White – 6
Jarrod Bowen – 5
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6
Wales player ratings
Karl Darlow – 5
Not really to blame for the three goals and did make a sharp save with his boot early on.
Neco Williams – 4
Not his greatest evening, was left foundering as Watkins scored the second.
Ben Davies – 3
The defence was shoddy in the first half and the most experienced head did little to help that.
Joe Rodon – 6
On a tough night for the Welsh back line, Rodon was easily the standout.
Jay DaSilva – 5
Dealt with Saka pretty well at left-back, wasn’t up against him as he curled in a beauty.
Ethan Ampadu – 5
Neat and tidy enough when he got the ball, but couldn’t influence the game
Brennan Johnson – 3
Almost entirely anonymous going forward.
Harry Wilson – 3
Very little chance to do what he does best.
Liam Cullen – 3
Nearly cost his team a fourth when he gave the ball away to Anthony Gordon
David Brooks – 5
Couldn’t stop Saka when up against him for the third goal. Did produce a decent volley on goal and then put in a superb cross which substitute Harris should have scored from.
Kieffer Moore – 4
Worked really hard defensively but offered no threat up front.
from: elfutbolero.us