2nd Test: New Zealand beat England by just one run after follow-on in Wellington.(photo:ICC/Twitter)
Pacer Neil Wagner was the hero for the Kiwis as he had James Anderson caught behind down the leg side to clinch a famous victory for New Zealand…reports Asian Lite News
New Zealand scripted history in Wellington on Tuesday as they became the fourth team ever to win a Test match after being forced to follow on when they pulled off a thrilling one-run victory over England in a classic final-day contest in the second Test.
Pacer Neil Wagner (4/62) was the hero for the Kiwis as he had James Anderson caught behind down the leg side to clinch a famous victory for New Zealand at Basin Reserve. New Zealand were asked to follow on after being dismissed for just 209 in their first innings in reply to England’s 435/8 declared. Kane Williamson’s 26th Test century on the penultimate day of a topsy-turvy contest gave them some hope.
England had to chase down 258 for victory in the fourth innings and they looked to be in control when Joe Root (95) and Ben Stokes (33) were at the crease and less than 60 runs were required.
But Wagner and Tim Southee (3/45) dug deep during a tense finale to ensure New Zealand picked up a thrilling triumph to level the two-match series at one game apiece.
New Zealand join three other teams to have won a Test match after being forced to follow on, with the most recent prior to this clash coming back in 2001 when India clinched an unlikely win against Australia in Kolkata.
The Kiwis’ winning margin of one run is just the second time in the history of Test cricket that a match has been decided by that narrow margin, with the only other occurrence coming in 1993 when the West Indies pulled off a similar triumph over Australia in Adelaide.
“It’s a pretty special Test win. The character that we’ve shown in the last three days has been very impressive and I’m proud of the guys to be able to bounce back after a tough first couple of days. It was just a great Test match to be involved in, only four times in the history of the game, so it was a very pleasing Test to be part of,” Southee told reporters after the match.
The match was not part of the current World Test Championship period, with both New Zealand and England already out of contention for reaching June’s final.
The loss was just England’s second since Brendon McCullum took over as coach early last year, with their next five-day contest coming in a one-off Test against Ireland at the start of June.
England then embarks on a five-match series against arch-rival Australia as part of this year’s Ashes series on home soil.
New Zealand host Sri Lanka for a two-match series at home next month, with the Asian side still with an outside chance of reaching the World Test Championship final, should results fall their way. (ANI)
Mandhana’s 52 from 41 was the top score in the reply, with Richa Ghosh finishing unbeaten on 47* from 34…reports Asian Lite News
England produced a superb bowling performance to successfully defend 151/7 and beat India by 11 runs in the 14th match of the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, at St George’s Park here on Saturday.
Smriti Mandhana scored a sublime half-century to put India in a decent position in their attempted chase of 152. But the rate of scoring slowed through the middle overs as England’s spinners took control of the game, with Sophie Ecclestone the stand-out bowler once again, picking up 1/14 from her four overs and strangling India’s batters at a crucial point of the match.
Mandhana’s 52 from 41 was the top score in the reply, with Richa Ghosh finishing unbeaten on 47* from 34.
But only one other Indian batter reached double figures as they fell 11 runs short of the target.
For India the situation is that they now will likely have to beat Ireland in their final match to progress.
A defeat for India against Ireland would leave them vulnerable given their relatively low net run rate.
Should India win and Pakistan manage to beat both West Indies and England then it would come down to net run rate to decide who qualifies for the semis.
Earlier, it was India who won the toss and opted to bowl first. Renuka Thakur took her career-best figures and the best by an Indian bowler at a Women’s T20 World Cup.
Thakur finished with sensational figures of 5/15 – the best by an Indian bowler at a Women’s T20 World Cup.
Morgan remains England’s leading run-scorer – 6957 runs in 225 ODIs with 13 hundreds – and the most successful captain in ODIs…reports Asian Lite News
Eoin Morgan, who led England to their first-ever ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup title in 2019, on Monday announced his retirement from all the forms of professional cricket with immediate effect.
Morgan had retired from international cricket in July last year, following a 16-year-long career that had begun with Ireland, before he moved to England but he continued to play in global franchise leagues across the world.
“It is with great pride that I am announcing my retirement from all forms of cricket. After much deliberation, I believe that now is the right time to step away from the game that has given me so much over the years,” the 36-year-old said in his official statement.
“From moving to England in 2005 to join Middlesex, right up to the very end, playing for Paarl Royals in SA20, I have cherished every moment. As there are in every sportsperson’s career, there have been highs and lows, but my family and friends have been by my side throughout it all.
“Playing for franchise teams across the globe has given me so many memories that I will hold onto forever.
“Since my retirement from international cricket, I have been able to spend more time with my loved ones, and I look forward to being able to do so more and more in the future. Having said that, I will undoubtedly miss the adventure and challenges of playing professional cricket.
“Although I am calling time on my playing career, I will still be involved in the game, working alongside broadcasters at international and franchise tournaments as a commentator and pundit. I am sincerely looking forward to what the future holds.”
Morgan remains England’s leading run-scorer – 6957 runs in 225 ODIs with 13 hundreds – and the most successful captain in ODIs, with 76 wins from 126 matches he led in. In T20 Internationals, he aggregated 2458 runs in 115 matches at a strike-rate of 136.18 with 14 fifties.
An integral part of England’s first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup triumph in the West Indies in 2010, Morgan led the side to runners-up finish in the 2016 edition in India. Overall, he led England to 42 T20I wins from 72 matches.
England women's all-rounder Nat Sciver to miss India series to focus on mental health, wellbeing. (Credit :ECB/Twitter)
Nat beat competition Australia wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy, South Africa pacer Shabnim Ismail and New Zealand’s leg-spin all-rounder Amelia Kerr to win the award…reports Asian Lite News
England’s seam-bowling all-rounder Nat Sciver was named as ICC women’s ODI cricketer of the year for 2022. She becomes the second cricketer from England to have won the coveted award after wicketkeeper-batter Sarah Taylor won the honour in 2014.
Nat beat competition Australia wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy, South Africa pacer Shabnim Ismail and New Zealand’s leg-spin all-rounder Amelia Kerr to win the award.
She had a 2022 to remember, amassing 833 runs at an average of 59.90 and at a strike-rate of 91.43, including smashing five half-centuries and two centuries to put further accolades on an already impressive playing resume.
The majority of those big scores came during the Women’s ODI World Cup, with Nat helping herself to a team-best 436 runs, including a career-best 148 not out off 121 balls in the final against Australia coming in a losing cause.
Nat walked in with England in a spot of bother at 38/2 and remained there until the end, unsettling the bowlers with her eye-catchy strokes. The all-rounder hit 15 fours and a six in her knock that could have led her side to World Cup glory if not for losing partners at the other end.
She finished third in the overall run charts for the tournament, behind Alyssa and Rachael Haynes, but recorded a better average than Australia duo.
If her exploits during the World Cup weren’t enough, Nat returned from a short break to manage her mental health in December to help England record a 3-0 series sweep over the West Indies in the Caribbean.
During that series she scored knocks of 90 and 85 to unsurprisingly finish as the leading run-scorer for the series with an eye-catching 180 runs at an average of 60. Nat will be next seen in the Women’s T20 World Cup, to be held in South Africa from February 10-26, which will mark her return as England’s vice-captain.
Under the proposals, the Church of England’s stance that the sacrament of matrimony is restricted to unions between one man and one woman will not change….reports Asian Lite News
The Church of England said Wednesday it will allow blessings for same-sex, civil marriages for the first time but same-sex couples still will not be allowed to marry in its churches.
The decision followed five years of debate and consultation on the church’s position on sexuality. It is expected to be outlined in a report to the church’s national assembly, the General Synod, which meets in London next month.
Under the proposals, the Church of England’s stance that the sacrament of matrimony is restricted to unions between one man and one woman will not change.
However, same-sex couples would be able to have a church service with prayers of dedication, thanksgiving or for God’s blessing after they have a civil wedding or register a civil partnership.
Same-sex marriage has been legal in England and Wales since 2013, but the church did not change its teaching when the law changed.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the spiritual leader of the Anglican Church, acknowledged that the proposals “will appear to go too far for some and not nearly far enough for others.”
“This response reflects the diversity of views in the Church of England on questions of sexuality, relationships and marriage. I rejoice in that diversity and I welcome this way of reflecting it in the life of our church,” Welby said.
“I hope it can offer a way for the Church of England, publicly and unequivocally, to say to all Christians and especially LGBTQI+ people, that you are welcome and a valued and precious part of the body of Christ,” he added.
The church said bishops plan to issue a formal apology to LGBTQ people on Friday for the “rejection, exclusion and hostility” they have felt from within the church.
It said it would issue pastoral guidance to its ministers and congregations and urge them to welcome same-sex couples “unreservedly and joyfully.”
Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell apologized for “the way LGBTQI+ people and those they love have been treated by the church which, most of all, ought to recognize everyone as precious and created in the image of God.”
“We are deeply sorry and ashamed and want to take this opportunity to begin again in the spirit of repentance which our faith teaches us,” he said. “This is not the end of that journey, but we have reached a milestone, and I hope that these prayers of love and faith can provide a way for us all to celebrate and affirm same-sex relationships.”
Cottrell said the proposals will not be “what everyone wants,” but further changes will require a legislative overhaul and there was currently no majority supporting such change.
Jayne Ozanne, a prominent campaigner for LGBTQ people in the church, said the bishops’ decision was “utterly despicable.”
“I cannot believe that five years of pain and trauma has got us here. We have had countless apologies over the years but no action to stop the harmful discrimination,” she tweeted.
The General Synod is expected to discuss the proposals in detail during its Feb. 6-Feb. 9 meeting.
England announce schedule for men's white-ball tour of Bangladesh(pic: ECB)
The three-match IT20 series starts on March 9 at ZACS in Chattogram. The final two matches are on March 12 and 14 at SBNCS, Dhaka…reports Asian Lite News
Reigning T20 World Cup and Cricket World Cup Champions England on Tuesday announced the schedule for their men’s team’s tour of Bangladesh for six white-ball games in March 2023.
The tourists will return to Bangladesh for the first time since 2016 and will play internationals in Dhaka and Chattogram. The last time England travelled to the Asian country, they emerged 2-1 victors in the ODI series.
The T20I series will be the first bilateral engagement between the two teams. Previously, England and Bangladesh have only faced each other in T20Is once — in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021.
The tour will start with three ODIs, the first two matches taking place at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS), Dhaka on March 1 and 3. The final match of the series will take place on March 6 at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium (ZACS), Chattogram.
The three-match IT20 series starts on March 9 at ZACS in Chattogram. The final two matches are on March 12 and 14 at SBNCS, Dhaka.
Before the start of the tour, England will play two warm-up matches, the schedule of which will be announced later.
“It is exciting that the England Men’s white-ball squad will return to Bangladesh for the first time since 2016. The atmosphere generated in Dhaka and Chattogram for this eagerly-anticipated tour will be fantastic,” said ECB Interim Chief Executive Officer Clare Connor.
“There is a great passion for cricket across Bangladesh, and we expect a tough challenge against a side who have an excellent record in home conditions,” she added.
Members of the UK’s biggest rail union the RMT will walk out from midnight for 48 hours until the end of Saturday, hitting services throughout England, Scotland and Wales…reports Asian Lite News
Rail passengers have felt the brunt of transport disruption so far this week – but on Friday they’ll be joined by travellers on roads and buses.
Just one in five trains will run so the advice is once again only travel if you have to. Other workers – including traffic officers who work in the aftermath of road accidents – are walking out for the first time.
However, those planning a pre-Christmas getaway from Heathrow Airport, will be pleased to know that a planned strike by baggage handlers has just been cancelled.
Members of the UK’s biggest rail union the RMT will walk out from midnight for 48 hours until the end of Saturday, hitting services throughout England, Scotland and Wales.
Meanwhile, National Highways traffic officers in the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) working in north-west England, north-east England, and Yorkshire and the Humber will stop work for 48 hours.
National Highways says no roads will be closed and it has “well-rehearsed resilience plans in place”. About 125 out of 1,500 operational staff will take part – 10-25 people per region.
The strike will involve members of control centre staff who monitor the road network’s CCTV and do a number of jobs including programming the electronic warning signs we see on major roads. Traffic officers who work in the aftermath of accidents will also stop work.
However, there’s good news for travellers using Heathrow. A 72-hour strike by baggage handlers from staff working for Menzies Aviation has been called off after talks between the private contractor and the Unite union.
Unite said the decision was a “gesture of goodwill” after a revised pay offer, which it will now ballot members on.
Civil servants in the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) – including driving examiners – are striking most days now until early January.
But the industrial action is regional – with different areas affected each week. This week, until Sunday 18 December, the walk out is in north-east England and Scotland. The government said the union’s demands were “unaffordable”.
Drivers in south and west London who are in the Unite union and work for operator Abellio will walk out for 48 hours in a dispute over pay. Areas affected include Battersea, Beddington, Hayes, Southall, Twickenham and Walworth.
Unite said it had invited Abellio to pay talks in September but had no response, and accused the company of paying among the lowest rates for bus drivers in London, causing a severe “retention crisis”.
Chief nurse calls for strike resolution
England’s chief nurse says she would like to see a resolution to nurses’ strikes as soon as possible, as tens of thousands of nurses took action across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Staff expressed anger that they felt forced to strike for more pay.
The UK government says the Royal College of Nursing’s pay demands are unaffordable. No 10 said there were “no plans” to look again at the pay deal for nurses, despite calls from some senior Tories.
Nurses got an extra 3% last year after the pandemic and another rise recommended by a pay review body.
Former Conservative health minister Steve Brine said, “I think the way out is to protect the integrity of the process, go back and ask them to look again. Everyone needs to cool it and I think sending it back to the pay review body to have a look would be a sensible answer.”
Sir Jake Berry, former Conservative Party chairman, urged the Government to “improve its offer” on pay.
The strikes have been held in around a quarter of hospitals and community teams in England, all health boards in Northern Ireland and all but one in Wales. Nurses in Scotland are not striking on Thursday while they consider a pay offer from the Scottish government.
England’s chief nurse Dame Ruth May met striking nurses at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. A video on Twitter sees her calling for the government to “make sure they work with the RCN and other unions to get an urgent resolution to pay”.
Downing Street said she was not speaking for the government and had her own views as chief nurse.
Dame Ruth also thanked nurses working on wards around the country “this day and every day”, adding that they would continue to “ensure minimal risk to patient safety”.
Two other teams, Netherlands and Argentina which have already qualified, on Saturday, for the last-eight stage will clash on December 9 at Lusail Stadium…reports Armstrong Vaz
A goal apiece from Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka helped England to an impressive 3-0 win over African champions Senegal and move into the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup.
On Sunday at the Al Bayt Stadium, Gareth Southgate’s side went into the half time break leading 2-0, opening the scoring in the 38th minute and adding a second in injury stoppage time of the opening session.
England netted a third one 13 minutes into the second half to take the game away from Aliou Cisse’s side and set up a quarter-final clash with France, which earlier on Sunday defeated Poland 3-1.
England and France have met twice before at the World Cup, both in group games which England won 2-0 en route to the 1966 title and 3-1 in 1982 and thus France will be looking for a positive result when the two meet on Sunday December 10 at Al Bayt Stadium.
Two other teams, Netherlands and Argentina which have already qualified, on Saturday, for the last-eight stage will clash on December 9 at Lusail Stadium.
Two more teams will join the already qualified four after Monday’s clashes between Portugal vs Switzerland and Spain vs Morocco.
On Sunday, England made just one change for the game as Bukayo Saka was preferred in attack to three-goal scoring Marcus Rashford, while Raheem Sterling was unavailable for England, as he was dealing with some family issues back home. Saka, who netted a brace against Iran, was rested against Wales, where Rashford also scored twice in a 3-0 victory. Southgate also preferred to retain Phil Foden and Henderson in the side.
Both teams were rather circumspect at the start, but once the nerves wore off they elected to be more positive. Senegal, for certain periods of the first half, looked to be the more threatening as they sent in attack after attack.
Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal, without their injured superstar Sadio Mane, will lament missing big chances from Ismaila Sarr and Bouyale Dia when the score was 0-0.
For the first time ever, England and France will face off in the knockout stage of a men's FIFA World Cup 🏴🇫🇷👀
England seemed to be temporarily on the back foot in the face of the growing pressure from Senegal very early in the first half.
The African champions kept to a higher line, but the European side were well placed for a counter when the opportunity presented itself.
England looked primed for the counter whenever Senegal afforded them a chance, making their two opportunities count to giving them a decent lead going into the half time break.
Southgate boys opened the doors of the Senegal defence with Bellingham making a strong run into the box on the left side, Kane sent in a pass to the midfielder, who coolly slotted the ball past Edouardo Mendy and into the net.
England added a second one three minutes into injury stoppage time with Kane’s right footed shot from inside the box to the centre of the goal ending in the back of the nets, after set up by Phil Foden following a fast break.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afrUn3-8I2w
England doubled the lead in a move which started from their own half, went on a blistering run towards the Senegal goal, closed in, spotted Foden on his left side, with Kane not too far on his right. The Manchester City forward seeing Kane peeling away from his marker sends in a quick pass with the last named player able to get enough space inside of the box to send in a powerful shot at the net, with Mendy having no chance of stopping it.
For Kane, the Golden Boot winner at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, with six goals, it was his first goal in Qatar’s World Cup and one which took him within one goal away from Wayne Rooney’s England record 53 goals.
The Tottenham forward was in fine form at Al Khor Stadium along with teenager Bellingham who had played a starring role in the first two goals, and Foden, who had two assists.
Senegal have made three substitutions at the start of the second half with Papa Gueye, Cheikh Dieng, Papa Sarr coming on in place of Ndiaye, Ciss and Diata with England going unchanged into the second half.
England put the issue beyond doubt with Saka’s left footed shot from the centre of the box of a move by Foden effectively dismissing their slim hopes of fighting back in the second half.
Southgate hails impressive win
England coach Gareth Southgate praised his side for the 3-0 win over Senegal in Qatar World Cup round of 16 on Sunday night with goals from Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka.
Henderson opened the scoring in the 38th minute when England were struggling to contain Senegal, who almost took the lead through Boulaye Dia.
“We were a bit sticky with the ball in the first 25 to 30 minutes,” admitted Southgate, who said that in the first half, England’s best chances “came from winning the ball from them, and Jude (Bellingham) and Hendo (Henderson) were outstanding in that aspect of the game.”
“They’re both forward-thinking midfield players. Hendo doesn’t get many (goals) for us, but he’s been outstanding. He’s such a leader, he knits the team together, around the camp he’s brilliant, and his performances have been top drawer for us,” commented Southgate.
The coach was also happy to see Kane net his first goal from open play for England in open play this year when he finished off a break started by Jude Bellingham and prolonged by the impressive Phil Foden with the last kick of the first half.
Kane, whose 51 goals for his country puts him only two behind record holder Wayne Rooney, has yet to fully hit his straps in Qatar, barely having a shot on target…reports Asian Lite News
The prospect of Harry Kane not scoring in any of England’s group games at this World Cup might have left fans fearing the worst. Instead, there’s a growing sense of optimism as Southgate’s Three Lions get ready for Sunday’s last-16 clash against Senegal, the Lions of Teranga, at Al Bayt Stadium.
Kane, whose 51 goals for his country puts him only two behind record holder Wayne Rooney, has yet to fully hit his straps in Qatar, barely having a shot on target. A foot knock sustained in the opening win against Iran has not helped the England captain, who top-scored in the 2018 World Cup with six.
But his lack of goals has certainly not impeded the side’s smooth progress to the knockout round. In fact, Kane’s failure to find the target can be flipped to a positive.
England have still managed to score nine goals with their other forwards stepping up to the mark, none more so than Manchester United’s rejuvenated Marcus Rashford with three goals already. Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka have also been among the goals, leaving Southgate with choices ahead of the Senegal clash, although it is inconceivable he would not start with Kane in his forward line-up.
Compared to the white-knuckle rides experienced by some of the other favourites in this edition of the World Cup, England sauntered through their group. But now, says Southgate, the serious business begins.
Senegal, the African Cup of Nations winners, finished second in Group A behind The Netherlands. That was despite suffering the pre-tournament disappointment of star striker Sadio Mane being ruled out.
“These are knockout games now. If you win, you get to stay here. If you lose, you go home,” Senegal coach Aliou Cisse said.
“There’s no need to overthink things as every team is at the same level. Our squad is experienced today. They’ve gone through a lot together and they know how to prepare for this type of game now and in competitions like this one,” Cisse added.
Cisse, however, has been ill and has a temperature. He also missed team training on Friday. But he is planning to be on the sideline on Sunday when his team plays.
‘Werewolf’ in camp
For a nation that has frequently flattered to deceive at soccer’s major tournaments, a card game that relies on the art of deception is strengthening the bond among England’s players.
Werewolf, a game of roleplay and deduction, has become a popular pastime for the squad between games.
“It’s about being the best liar,” said midfielder Declan Rice. “The villagers have got to snuff out the wolves and the wolves have got to lie and tell everyone why they are not a wolf. There is a lot of teamwork, ganging up.”
Whatever England is doing at its base in Qatar, it’s working so far. No other team picked up more than the seven points England recorded on their way to the knockout round and they are only one of three teams still undefeated.
Foden hoping for more of ‘up and down’
Meanwhile, midfielder Phil Foden may have been one of the stars of their 3-0 win over Wales in the last Group B match, but despite his goal and fine display in that game, he admitted things could still go better for him in Qatar.
Foden didn’t appear in England’s 0-0 draw with the United States and only played the closing minutes of their 6-2 win against Iran, although he set up a goal for Manchester City teammate Jack Grealish.
He would be a popular choice to kick off England’s last-16 tie against Senegal on Sunday, but so far the youngster admitted his World Cup had been a “mixed bag”.
Speaking to the BBC, Foden said the World Cup had been “up and down.”
“I am disappointed not to start more games but it is part of the tournament. I am a team player and when I get the opportunities, I’ll take them,” he said.
Foden said the depth of the England squad is one of the reasons that playing time is so hard to come by. “There is a lot of competition; (Bukayo) Saka has done well and scored in the first game, (Marcus) Rashford has scored and did very well against Wales.
“Everyone is scoring and everyone has proved a point so it will be a headache for Gareth (Southgate) to pick the team for the next game,” he admitted.
Southgate rested players such as Saka, Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling against Wales, and it will be fascinating to see if they return as any error can be fatal to World Cup hopes.
England will take on African Cup Champions Senegal, the Group A runners up in the knockout stage on Sunday…reports Amstrong Vaz
A brace from Marcus Rashford and a goal from Phil Foden helped England to trounce Wales 3-0 in the FIFA World Cup and qualify to the knockout stage as group leaders.
On Tuesday night at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium after a barren first half, the English strikers went on a goal scoring spree notching three goals within a span of 18 minutes.
Manchester United striker Rashford started the scoring in the 50th and added his second one in the 68th minute, in between Manchester city’s Foden scored in the 51st minute.
England topped the group after a 3-0 win over Wales and will take on African Cup Champions Senegal, the Group A runners up in the knockout stage on Sunday.
England and USA from Group B join Senegal and The Netherlands, the two teams which made it to the last 16 stage from Group A. Other teams which have qualified for the knockouts till date are Brazil, Portugal and France, all the three having made it to the next stage with a game to spare as they have won two of the three group matches.
The US, returning to the World Cup for the first time in eight years, finished with five points with one win and two draws from Group B and sailed into the knockouts as group runners up and will face The Netherlands, the winners of Group A. The USA had two draws, 1-1 with Wales and 0-0 against England.
Iran, who were thrashed 6-2 by England but recovered to beat Wales 2-0, finished with three points, for the 2-0 win over Wales, who were returning to the World cup after a 64 years’ absence, lost all their league matches.
After a sedate first half, the game sprung to life thanks to the three goals from England.
The Three Lions opened the scoring with a magnificent strike from the England forward. Rashford took a couple of steps and whipped a shot over the wall and past the diving Danny Ward in Wales goal for his second goal of the tournament and his first direct free-kick goal for England at the 2022 World Cup.
A minute later, Foden delivered on the goal scoring front of a move fashioned by Rashford and Harry Kane, the former won the highball and the latter strokes a low cross across the face of goal that Foden can’t miss, 2-0.
For the Manchester City striker, it was his first for England in 16 appearances and his first in over two years in an England shirt. The 21-year-old also silenced a few of his critics in the process.
Rashford added a personal second and the team’s third. The move started deep from the England defense and Kalvin Phillips launched the ball forward with precision to the Manchester United forward. Rashford did not disappoint as he carried forward the ball and in a swift action moving inside and finishing off with a low shot.
Rashford’s second goal was England’s 100th scored at the World Cup, while it made him just the second Manchester United player to score 3+ goals for the Three Lions at a major tournament after Bobby Charlton. “In the first half we controlled the game but we didn’t create enough clear chances. We wanted a bit more thrust in the final third, to play forward a bit quicker. The second half, once we got the two goals, we knew that their spirit had probably gone. I thought we kept our discipline right until the end,” England coach Gareth Southgate said after the match.
The England tactician praised both the goal scorers for their efforts.
“It’s great for (Marcus Rashford). He’s trained really well, I have to say, and he could have had a hat-trick. His free-kick was an incredible strike; that’s what he’s capable of. In moments I thought both [Rashford and Foden] were a bit quiet in the first half. We decided to switch them at half-time and they responded really well, and for them to both get their goals was great.”
🎯 The first direct free-kick scored in the tournament 💯 England’s 100th #FIFAWorldCup goal 🏆 @Budweiser Player of the Match
Marcus Rashford is the star as England top Group B.
Rashford on the other hand said they were disappointed by the draw against USA and were determined to get full points.
“It’s a great feeling. We were a bit disappointed after the USA game, and the only way to bounce back is to have a good performance in your next game; I thought we did it. It was just about taking the chances when they came,” said Rashford.
The striker was happy that he was successful with his freekick.
“I fancied a free-kick in the first half, but the one in the second half was in a better position. From there it’s about being calm and executing what you do in training. They don’t go in often but I was glad it did today.
“At half-time the manager said we’d played really but that we could work the keeper more. In the second half we did that. Moments like this, this is what I play football for. I’m really happy that we’re going through and I hope we can build on this performance. I have massive ambition for this team and I think we play even better,” he added.
