England had not let the rhetoric, the echoes of former home championships and the desire to make this a derailed home affair faze them. They were focused on Jordan Henderson, another shrewd selection who barked at his teammates to close quickly as he brought his experience alongside the wonderful young tyro Jude Bellingham.
Southgate wanted to channel the emotion, not ignore it, and England did just that. Wales looked ready to attack as they needed to win, but they didn’t even try until the game was over. Indeed, if Wales had gone deeper, he would have been among the Red Wall of his supporters. It’s not his fault. They just don’t have the players or the depth.
England yes. Senegal will be a tough proposition, but there is strength and quality in this England team, as Rashford and Foden showed in staking their claims in style.
Details of the match
Wales: Ward, Williams (Roberts, 36), Davies (Morrell, 59), Mepham, Rodon, Allen (Colwill, 81), Ampadu, Bale (Johnson, 46), Ramsey, James (Wilson, 77), Moore . Booked: James, Ramsey. England: Pickford, Walker (Alexander-Arnold, 57), Stones, Maguire, Shaw (Trippier, 65), Rice (Phillips, 58), Bellingham, Henderson, Rashford (Grealish, 76), Kane (Wilson, 58) Foden.