Welsh Disaster in Wembley: England Bags 3–0 Victory

German coach Thomas Tuchel continued his successful journey as the England football team’s manager, as his team triumphed over Wales in an international friendly. It was a comfortable 3–0 victory, fueled by early goals from Morgan Rogers (3’), Ollie Watkins (11’), and Bukayo Saka (20’). This win marked the sixth victory for England under Tuchel’s tenure out of seven matches.

It was also England’s 70th victory against Wales in history.

From the very beginning, England showed its star power. In the third minute, they took the lead through Morgan Rogers, who scored his first senior goal for his country. The Aston Villa player converted from close range after Marc Guéhi’s assist following a corner. In the 11th minute, Ollie Watkins doubled the lead with a tap-in after a cross from Bukayo Saka created chaos inside the box. Then, in the 20th minute, Bukayo Saka himself made it 3–0 with a brilliant strike.

This was the Arsenal man’s first match for England since June. It was also Ollie Watkins’ return to the starting eleven, taking the place of injured captain Harry Kane. With Kane side-lined, Declan Rice wore the captain’s armband, while Watkins led the line and capitalized on his first England start in 11 months finishing clinically after a lapse in Welsh defending.

England started in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guéhi, and Djed Spence forming the backline. The midfield had a double pivot of Declan Rice and Nottingham Forest youngster Elliot Anderson, making only his second start for the country. Morgan Rogers played as the attacking midfielder, with Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon, and Ollie Watkins leading the front line. Jordan Pickford was in goal. This was also Pickford’s eighth consecutive clean sheet for the national team, continuing his outstanding form under Tuchel.

Meanwhile, Craig Bellamy’s Wales also started in a 4-2-3-1 setup. Their defense included Joe DaSilva and Joe Rodon as centre-backs, with Neco Williams at right-back and Luke Cullen at left-back. The midfield double pivot consisted of Harry Wilson and Ethan Ampadu, while Kieffer Moore played in the attacking midfield role behind the striker. Brennan Johnson and David Brooks occupied the wings, and Karl Darlow started in goal.

England’s next match is against Latvia in the 8th round of the World Cup Qualifiers, while Wales will face Belgium. Both matches are scheduled for October 14.