The game got off to a tepid start, with stand-in Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward doing well to rush off his line and deny Marcus Rashford in an opening 20 minutes short on chances.
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Rob Page’s side were clearly set up to remain in the contest for as long as possible, rarely threatening in the first period and allowing England to increasingly turn the screw as the opening half progressed.
England’s first real opening saw the ball reach the much-hyped Phil Foden, but he could only blaze over on the spin, before Rashford’s acrobatic Richarlison-esque overhead kick failed to pay dividends.
Foden’s direct run earned England a free-kick on the edge of the box, allowing Rashford to wrong-foot Ward, guiding an effort into the top-right corner.
Still reeling from going behind, Wales were immediately pressed high by Rashford, who provided Kane with the chance to drill a ball across the face of goal for Foden to tap in at the back post.
Wales looked for a quick response through Kieffer Moore’s deflected long shot, but Pickford adjusted well to deny the Welsh a slither of hope.
Ultimately, Gareth Southgate’s side did more than enough to top the group, and can look forward to a first-ever senior level meeting with Senegal on Sunday.
