Three different internationals grabbed their first goals for the Three Lions as England scored three past Wales in a comfortable victory at Wembley.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin opened the scoring on his debut for his country, continuing his fine run of form in all competitions.
Despite Wales looking the better side in the first half, England were by far the superior side in front of goal. Conor Coady grabbing his first England goal as he tucked away the ball at the far post following a whipped in free-kick by Kieran Trippier.
Danny Ings then joined in on the action, also grabbing his first international goal, when he pulled off an acrobatic effort from a Tyrone Mings headed assist which flew past the helpless Wayne Hennessey.
Mason Greenwood, Phil Foden, Ben Chillwell, Tammy Abraham and Jadon Sancho were all absent from the matchday squad for England following breaches of COVID-19 protocols.
Meanwhile, Wales were missing talisman Gareth Bale as well as Hal Robson-Kanu who pulled out of camp following an injury he picked up while playing for West Brom. Aaron Ramsey was also absent as he was told he would be put in a bio-secure bubble following two positive tests involving Juventus staff.
Wales began the first half brightly, putting the Three Lions on the back foot, with Joe Morrell and Ethan Ampadu looking calm and composed under the arch of Wembley.
Both Rabbi Matondo and Tyler Roberts looked positive for Wales as they sought to cause danger down the flanks.
With Wales looking threatening, despite the notable absence of attacking threats Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, David Brooks and Daniel James.
It was international debutant Calvert-Lewin who received the first opportunity of the match, when he was played through and rounded Hennessey in goal, his effort from a tight angle was cleared away by the Dragon’s defence.
Matondo had multiple early drives at the England back three, with the youngster looking to test them with his pace and trickery. However, the final ball continued to lack for Wales as they struggled for any attempts on goal.
It was Kieffer Moore who received the first opportunity of the game for his country. Bukayo Saka’s headed clearance fell straight into the proximity of the target man who unleashed a volley, which fortunately for Nick Pope flew past his post.
Calver-Lewin then punished Wales for the missed opportunity when he headed home Jack Grealish’s delightful cross into the area. The Everton striker proving his worth, having scored nine goals in seven games for his club.
The visitors continued to push for a first half goal, looking to make an immediate response to going behind. Moore proving to be the main dangerman once again for the England backline, being played in behind with Keane struggling to keep up with the strength and determination of the striker. However, Moore was unable to get the shot away from under his feet as another opportunity went begging.
Minutes later, Moore was down receiving treatment, a worrisome sign for Ryan Giggs with the last thing he would have wanted tonight being another addition to the injury list.
Moore was shortly back on his feet and played out another few minutes, before he was substituted and replaced by Neco Williams. Williams going on to play on the right flank that was occupied by Tyler Roberts, with the Leeds forward now upfront in Moore’s place.
Half-time quickly arrived for Wales, as they had a chance to reflect on a competitive first half. Of which, despite the scoreline, they had looked the better side, gaining numerous chances through Moore.
With Giggs keeping one eye on Sunday’s fixture. Both Joe Rodon and Joe Morrell made way at half-time with Dylan Levitt and Ben Cabango on in their place.
Much like the first half, Wales began the second half brightly. With Levitt quickly up to speed with the Wales midfield, the Manchester United midfielder bringing some much needed freshness to the midfield.
Nonetheless, Coady soon put to an end any positivity for Wales. As the Wolves captain ruthlessly struck home at the far post, following an inviting delivery into the area by Trippier from a free-kick.
It was then Ampadu who made way before the halfway point of the second half, with Will Vaulks on to replace him.
Wales continued to struggle to cope from set-pieces as England punished them once again. Mings heading the ball downwards to the path of Ings from a corner who pulled off a marvellous overhead kick which flashed past Hennessey.
The Three Lions may well have scored a fourth, fifth or sixth tonight if not for the brilliance of Hennessey. The Crystal Palace goalkeeper saving Saka’s deflected effort on goal, disallowing the Arsenal player the chance to make it a quadruplet of first international goal scorers.
Hennessey was later called into action once again, as he extended his arms out to deny Ings who looked bound to score with his effort from close range.
The 33-year-old ensuring no further damage was inflicted on the score line as Wales settled for a 3-0 defeat away at Wembley.
An impressive first-half display overshadowed by a worrying defensive display, especially at set-pieces where Wales looked unorganised.
Wales will be looking to bounce back with victory away in Dublin on Sunday against Ireland in the Nations League. Ryan Giggs will be hoping Moore is declared fit for the match having come off injured at Wembley.
Both David Brooks and Harry Wilson were absent from the matchday squad, with no known reason as to why. While Daniel James sat out the match on the bench as he recovers from a bug which left him unavailable for Manchester United last Sunday.
Giggs is also hopeful Aaron Ramsey will be able to join the squad ahead of Sunday as he was forced to stay in Italy under a bio-secure bubble.
See how the match unfolded at Wembley Stadium here:
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