By Adrian Durnham
October 13 2025

Engand eased to a comfortable victory over Wales in a friendly at Wembley.

Three goals in the first 20 minutes put Wales to bed as England dominated in an impressive display. Rogers, Watkins and Saka on the score sheet for England.

It looked as though England were on course for six or seven with the way they started but a mixture of taking the foot off the gas, substitutions disrupting the flow and Wales improving after the break meant that Wales could at least salvage some pride.

It was a fast and furious start from England. Attacking, free flowing football with pace, a threat from set pieces, being alive to the second ball, not giving up lost causes and extremely comfortable in possession. What more could you ask for?

After initially believing that Tuchel was an undercover agent here to sabotage England’s world cup dream after a very underwhelming start to his reign, I have been very impressed with the last two games both in performance and result as he finally manages to get his message across to the players.

The level of opposition has to be taken into consideration, but you can only play what is in front of you. The question is, the same question we had under Southgate, can we do it against the big boys when it really matters?

This victory was secured without the likes of Bellingham, Palmer, Foden and Grealish and from what I have witnessed under Tuchel, it will be extremely difficult for any of them tom oust Rogers from this team.

He was excellent again in this one and seems to be a perfect fit for what Tuchel wants. He is comfortable receiving on the half turn and can carry the ball forward at pace and find those intricate passes that create chances. And lets not forget he also found the back of the net in this one.

Watkins has probably cemented his spot as Kanes’ understudy after a goal here. He did also miss an absolute sitter but at least he was in the position to miss it.

Any doubts over Saka starting were also put to bed with his fine finish and overall display and Gordon put forward his claims with another impressive display.

Anderson looks the part in midfield and Rice is a given. And let’s not forget Pickford, who made saves on the few occasions he was called upon but also kept a record eighth clean sheet in a row.

The back four weren’t troubled much and all performed well but I feel one man went under the radar in this one.

Stones slotted back in effortlessly. Defensively solid but it’s not that aspect of his game I want to discuss. We looked so much better going forward in this game mainly due to Stones being back in the side.

Especially early on in the game it was Stones who got us going with his quick forward passes and also driving into midfield at times himself. We were much more of a threat because of this and were able to break lines quickly and not give Wales the opportunity to get men behind the ball and make it difficult for us to break them down. This seems to have gone unnoticed from everything I have read and heard and his importance to the team is why he was brought straight back in at the heart of the defence despite how well Konsa has played there in his absence.

Later on, when required, he dictated the pace of the game and slowed the tempo as we had that comfortable lead. His leadership skills are also underrated as he constantly talking to others and telling them where they need to be.

Stones being fit is vital to any chance we may have of winning the world cup. And it is more vital from an attacking point of view than a defensive one as this game clearly outlined.

England 3 – 0 Wales – Reaction

Discussion started by Lions of England (IP Logged), 13/10/2025 08:37

Lions of England
13/10/2025 08:37

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