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Rashford wakes up England
The MVP of the day is Marcus Rashford.
Author of a double against Wales (3-0), the Manchester United striker began by delivering England with a master free kick before regaling solo, from the left, on a good deep ball .
The kind of performance that recalls why the Rashford arrow was heralded as a future superstar in his younger years.
It is up to him to continue his momentum during the rest of the tournament.
It would be a good sign for Her Majesty's players...
Foden, winning bet
Beyond his goal, on a serve from Harry Kane, Phil Foden proved Gareth Southgate right.
In fact, he especially gave reason to England football, who demanded his tenure, finally.
In any case, the coach can only be satisfied with the performance of the Manchester City player… on the right, the left wing having been occupied by Rashford.
Lively, available, closer to the player we see at the Etihad Stadium regularly.
To see what will be the orientations of Southgate against the Senegalese Teranga Lions in the round of 16.
Note that the United States, winners of Iran at the same time, will challenge the Netherlands.
What an atmosphere!
We will come back for the exotic side of the World Cup with this Anglo-Welsh derby, but the atmosphere was worth the detour.
From the hymns, taken up in chorus by the two camps, we understood that Welsh and English were going to give each other.
That's exactly what they did.
A few quiet moments here and there, but only to see the kops ignite even more afterwards.
A little slack at the end of the first period, but goals from Rashford and Foden shortly after the restart obviously rekindled the flame.
The two kops sang until the end.
Even the Galois, despite the score and the elimination of their team.
In fact, they spent long minutes singing for their players, celebrating them, taking communion.
Hat.
CLAW STRIKES
Wales, a page turns
It seems a long time ago when Wales enchanted Europe and reached the semi-finals of the Euro in France.
And this after victories over Northern Ireland (1-0), in the 8th round, and Belgium (3-1), in the quarters.
Gareth Bale and his little comrades end their campaign in Qatar with a small point on the clock, two defeats, and without having shown much.
Otherwise it's the end of an era for this golden generation, devoured raw by a very average England (see elsewhere).
Given the accounting situation and the classification of this group B, we will not blame the Welshman for having cracked in the second half.
England, not a favorite
With two cards against Iran (6-2) and Wales (3-0), England finished top of their group and with advantageous statistics.
Enough to invite yourself to the favorites table?
Not sure.
Like their match against the United States (0-0) or their first period of the day, the Three Lions have little certainty on the collective level.
We often have the feeling that they are discovering each other, that they are playing their first match together.
Their latest results in major competitions (semi-final at the 2018 World Cup, final at the last Euro) invite us to give them credit.
The list of their individualities, too.
Basically, however, we can't help but think that it would take more to go very far in Qatar, especially with a view to a quarter-final against… France.
We advance a little.
Moreover, the players of Gareth Bale will already have to stuff Senegal in the round of 16.
With such collective weaknesses, it is not won...