England, Wales played goalless in the first half

Al Ryan [Qatar]November 30 (ANI): England dominated Wales but played out a goalless first half at the Al Rayyan Stadium in Wednesday’s Group B encounter.

The English team enjoyed excellent possession but could not find the back of the net due to several changes. Wales never found their stride as they sat in their own half and England put the pressure on them.

England made a few passes at first as they got used to the ball. Marcus Rashford tried to break into the Welsh box on the left, but lost control of the ball on the edge and lost possession.

In the 10th minute, Harry Kane brought Rashford one-on-one with the Wales keeper with a brilliant through ball. However, Daniel Ward stepped forward and denied the Manchester United forward’s chip.

Rashford was clearly the best player in the English team as he continued to create chances for his side and looked most likely to score. Rashford’s powerful shot hit Welsh player Neco Williams in the face, causing the defender to go down and be treated.

He was substituted in the 34th minute and the Welsh defender was replaced by an injury substitute. The player received a standing ovation from the Welsh supporters as he hauled himself off the field in what was probably the biggest game of his career. Conor Roberts replaced Williams when things looked grim for Wales.

Wales took a throw-in in the last second of the first half very close to England’s box. Joe Allen collected it on the edge of the box after Roberts had passed it to Mepham. Joe Allen reaches for him and the ball narrowly goes wide of England’s goal.

Both teams failed to score as the half ended goalless with Wales clearly struggling to retain possession. (ANI)