England 3-0 Wales: Goals from Morgan Rodgers, Ollie Watkins and Bukayo Saka within the first 20 minutes were enough to hand Thomas Tuchel’s side a comprehensive victory at Wembley.
England picked up where they left off in the friendly on a record-breaking night at Wembley, beating Wales 3-0. Thomas Tuchel’s side won both games in September with a combined score of 7-0 and are in great form with only two camps remaining before the World Cup.
The Three Lions got off to a blistering start under the arches of Aston Villa stars Morgan Rodgers and Ollie Watkins, taking a 2-0 lead within 11 minutes. Bukayo Saka then scored a dramatic goal to take England to three points, with Craig Bellamy and co taking second place in their respective divisions, further compounding Wales’ misery.
Tuchel cited a strong squad with Declan Rice captaining the Three Lions in the absence of Harry Kane, who was on the bench with an ankle injury. Watkins replaced him up front, with John Stones making his first appearance for England in a year at centre-back.
Here are five talking points from Wembley.
read more: Thomas Tuchel makes big decision in England and Arsenal star Declan Rice is rewardedread more: Thomas Tuchel says England are ‘underdogs’ to qualify for the World Cup after 59 years with injuries
1. England’s heroes are villains
Wales may have struck first after a sloppy touch from Elliott Anderson, but it was England who took the lead, scoring with just 2 minutes and 11 seconds remaining. Morgan Rogers scored after John Stones failed to get his header on target, benefiting from some good work from Mark Gehi who took advantage of Declan Rice’s corner kick.
Rodgers has not scored at club level this season but scored in his first start in an England shirt. The Aston Villa star has claimed to be Thomas Tuchel’s backup number 10, and possibly first choice, next to Jude Bellingham.
Villa had further chances as Ollie Watkins extended England’s lead to two points in the 11th minute. Wales were unable to clear the line in each of their three innings and were trailing by six and seven points, but Watkins’ tap-in at the back post marked his return to the team with a goal assisted by Rodgers.
2. Saka stunner sends reminder to Tuchel
Could you please leave this man alone? Well, Tuchel said he “very much would have” even selected Bukayo Saka in his squad if Noni Maduke had been fit.
But the Arsenal man showed why he is still number one when it comes to the right-wing pecking order, unleashing an unstoppable attack that saw him beat big Karl Darlow to make it 3-0. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Tuchel revealed: “It’s very possible (not choosing Saka). Yes, it’s very possible, but I don’t know right now.”
Maduke has had a great run under Tuchel, but one would imagine Saka’s track record and end product would give him an edge. Saka’s goal also meant he became Arsenal’s top scorer in England with 13 goals, surpassing Cliff Bastin, who held the record for 86 years.
Who should start for England: Bukayo Saka or Noni Madueke? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
3. Watkins injury scare
As half-time approached, everything was going well for England. Despite their good performance with three goals, Tuchel’s side still looked more likely to score than their opponents.
Watkins had a great chance to score four points, but missed the open net just 1 yard out. However, that wasn’t the most painful part.
England’s number 19 hit the top of his left shin against the post and was rolling around in agony. Manager Declan Rice urged England’s medical staff to rush onto the pitch as Wembley began to fear the worst.
ITV decided not to show replays of the incident until it was clear that Watkins was at least moving his injured leg on the floor. He continued to fight hard but was cautious in the minutes before referee Urs Schneider called for half-time, during which he was replaced by Marcus Rashford.
4. England and Wales unite against Alzheimer’s disease
Players from both groups took part in the second half, but their uniforms had no names on the back, only numbers. This was done to emphasize memory loss, which is one of the symptoms of dementia.
The FA and FAW worked with the Alzheimer’s Society for the match, and there was another emotional moment before the match. Twenty-two fans with dementia, nominated from across England and Wales, walked alongside the players in place of the traditional child mascot.
5. Breaking records Pickford shared with banks
It was a night to remember for Jordan Pickford, even though he may not have had much to do had he not made two saves in what ended up being a drab second half. The Everton goalkeeper has played eight consecutive games without conceding for England, breaking the record he shared with the legendary Gordon Banks.
Pickford did not play in the 3-1 home defeat to Senegal in June, meaning it was almost a year since the last time he had to pick the ball out of his own net in Greece’s impressive 2-1 win at Wembley last October. There is no debate as to who England’s No. 1 should be.
Will he extend as England travel to Riga to face Latvia on Tuesday? If Serbia keeps winning and losing, the Three Lions will qualify for the World Cup.
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