Merciful England: 20-minute destruction and saving neighbours' face

Since they'll play their next 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying game against Latvia on the road in five days, England used the empty schedule to play a friendly match against Wales at Wembley and once again demonstrate their immense power.

Already after 20 minutes, the Dragons probably regretted coming to face Thomas Tuchel's crew, as Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins, and Bukayo Saka put England 3-0 up.

In the remainder of the first half and after the break, the Three Lions took their foot off the gas, probably to avoid fully humiliating the rivals. Wales threatened a few times in the second half, while the home crew didn't show many intentions to attack, keeping the 3-0 lead.

Given that the clash against Wales was a friendly match, Thomas Tuchel mixed things up and opted to rest Harry Kane, giving Ollie Watkins a chance in the XI. Still, it didn't bother England much, as the Three Lions broke the deadlock just three minutes after the ref's opening whistle!

Declan Rice took a corner kick, John Stones attempted, and it was clear the ball would go wide. However, Marc Guehi kept it alive at the byline and assisted for Morgan Rogers, who scored his maiden goal for the national team.

‘England are underdogs at the World Cup’ claims Tuchel

Eight minutes later, the other Aston Villa lad found the net and doubled the lead! Another corner kick, another melee in Wales' box, only this time, Rogers poked the ball through the six-yard box, and Watkins smashed it in from close range.

Twentieth minute - 3-0! England netted their first goal from open play over Bukayo Saka, who received the ball on the right side of the box, made his signature move inside, and found the far corner of Karl Darlow's goal, for a complete demolition of Wales with 70 minutes to go!

The Dragons' first-half destruction could have been even worse had Watkins managed to pass the ball into the net from a two-meter distance.

Still, Wembley saw England's crushing performance, while the visitors finished the opening 45 minutes with only one shot on goal (off target) and 29% of possession!

Watkins, who had an unpleasant collision with the post shortly before the break stayed in the locker room during the break, while Marcus Rashford replaced him in the Three Lions' attack. Yet, the home team's approach didn't change, as Rogers was close to completing a brace in the 52nd minute, but his powerful effort crashed against the crossbar.

Wales made their first shot on target in the match after 56 minutes. It was a colossal chance for David Brooks, whose close-range first-touch volley Jordan Pickford miraculously stopped with his knee.

The impression was that Tuchel's men "eased off" a little bit since it was a friendly duel, while the Dragons' boss and ex-Liverpool and Man City striker, Craig Bellamy, made several subs, giving a chance to players with less playing time.

On the other hand, the German strategist subbed on Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Jordan Henderson, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Jarrod Bowen, allowing them to present themselves to 90,000 people at Wembley.

In the 73rd minute, Chris Mepham threatened, but Pickford didn't succumb, keeping his net intact. That moment marked the last notable moment in a clash in which the Three Lions showed extraordinary power (even without Kane) and could have devoured the rivals, but chose not to.

With a win in Latvia on Tuesday, England would become the first European national team to book a ticket for the USA, Canada, and Mexico, while Wales will face Belgium with which they are tied on Group J table, in Cardiff on Monday.