Marcus Rashford’s brace against Wales helped England reach the World Cup knockout phase as boss Gareth Southgate said “big business starts now”.

The 104th meeting of the old rivals ended with last year’s European Championship runners-up wrapping up top spot in Group B on Tuesday evening at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.

Rashford’s brilliant free-kick and fizzing strike came either side of Phil Foden’s goal in Tuesday’s 3-0 triumph against Wales, who head home as England gear up for the last 16.

As a result, England will mow face Senegal on Sunday with hopes of reaching the quarter finals with victory against the African nation.

But it was Rashford’s celebration after his sublime free-kick broke the deadlock which got fans talking.

The Manchester United striker dropped to his knees and pointed to the sky after wrong-footing Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward.

Speaking after the game, Rashford revealed the reaction to scoring was his way of remembering a friend, Garfield Hayward, who sadly died from cancer a few days ago.

He said: “Unfortunately I lost one of my friends a couple of days ago.

 “He's had quite a long battle with cancer, so I'm pleased I managed to score for him.

“He's always been a big supporter of mine. He was just a great person and I'm pleased he came into my life, really.”

Gareth Southgate praises Marcus Rashford’s performance for England

Swindon Advertiser: Gareth Southgate embraces Marcus Rashford after double against Wales.Gareth Southgate embraces Marcus Rashford after double against Wales. (Image: PA)

Rashford is now fancied to start against Senegal, the 25-year-old has three goals in as many games at this World Cup, the joint-highest alongside stars including Kylian Mbappe.

“It’s been a challenge for him,” said Southgate, who was unaware that the man-of-the-match’s friend had died in the build-up to the game.

“I went and saw him in the summer, had a long chat with him and he had some clear ideas on things that he felt he needed to think about and to do.

“You can see with his club there’s been happiness in his performances this year.

“And I have to say that’s shown itself on the training ground all the time with us.

“We’ve got a different version completely to the player we had in the Euros last summer, so he’s managed to produce those moments tonight.

“He could have had a hat-trick, really, with the chance in the first half and then the one at the near post towards the end.

“But great for him and because it’s great for him it’s great for us.”