England cruised to a comfortable 3–0 victory over Wales at Wembley on Thursday night, sealing the win with three goals inside the opening 20 minutes.

It was a dominant, clinical performance from Thomas Tuchel’s side, while Craig Bellamy’s Wales were left to rue a disastrous start and a night that offered little in the way of positives.

The tone was set almost immediately. Just three minutes in, Morgan Rogers marked his senior England debut with a composed finish, slotting past Karl Darlow after a sharp recovery from Marc Guehi opened up the Welsh defence.

The goal rattled Wales, who struggled to find their shape under early pressure. England’s movement and sharpness in the final third proved too much, and by the 10th minute, they had doubled their lead.

Ollie Watkins, stepping in for Harry Kane as the central striker, reacted quickest in the box to tap home after a low cross from Bukayo Saka caused chaos in the area.

Wales looked stunned, barely able to get out of their own half. Any plans Bellamy had to keep the game tight and grow into it were torn up by England’s intensity.

Things got worse just before the 20-minute mark when Saka, back in the England squad after injury, produced a stunning curling strike from the edge of the area.

It was a finish of the highest quality, one that not only ended the contest early but also saw Saka break a long-standing Arsenal record for most international goals in a calendar year.

After the third goal, England eased off the tempo but remained in control. Tuchel used the opportunity to rotate, with several fringe players getting minutes, while Wales improved slightly in the second half.

David Brooks tried to inject some energy, and Chris Mepham had a header saved by Jordan Pickford, but any Welsh threat was fleeting. They lacked composure in the final third and struggled to connect midfield to attack.

For England, it was the ideal night: sharp early, ruthless when it mattered, and able to manage the game with minimal risk.

For Wales, it was a harsh reminder of the gap that still exists at the very top level. Bellamy will know his side must respond quickly, with a far more important test looming on Monday against Belgium in the World Cup qualifiers, a match that now feels even more critical after this sobering night.

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