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DOHA. — England roared into the FIFA World Cup last-16 as group winners on Tuesday night by sweeping aside Wales 3-0 in a “Battle of Britain’’ in Qatar.

After a nervy first half, Marcus Rashford’s thunderbolt free-kick put Gareth Southgate’s side in front on 50 minutes and just 93 seconds later Phil Foden tucked in Harry Kane’s cross for 2-0.

Rashford struck again on 68 minutes with England’s 100th World Cup finals goal to cap a glorious night for the Three Lions, as they sealed top spot in Group B and booked a date with Senegal in the last-16 on Sunday night – the first time they have ever faced the African nation.

“Moments like this are what I play football for,’’ said Rashford. “The biggest and best moments. I’m really happy we are going through to the next round, we have massive ambitions for this team.’’

Rashford’s two goals moved him into a tie for the lead in the Golden Boot race on three, alongside France’s Kylian Mbappe, Ecuador’s Enner Valencia, who can no longer add to his tally following his nation’s elimination, and Cody Gakpo of Holland.

Rashford has taken a long and sometimes painful road to repair the confidence that looked shattered at points recently but he resembled someone reaching journey’s end as he inspired England into the FIFA World Cup’s last 16.

Rashford struggled on the margins at Manchester United last season, a shadow of his true exciting talent, but signs of recovery have been detected under new manager Erik ten Hag this season and England were the beneficiaries as they cruised to a 3-0 victory that also eliminated Wales at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Tuesday night.

He has taken the form which has made him United’s top scorer with eight goals this season to Qatar. The forward made an instant impact by scoring moments after coming on as substitute in the 6-2 win against Iran, and he was the star of the show with two goals here to set up a meeting with Senegal on Sunday (9pm Zimbabwean time).

It was also a poignant personal moment for Rashford as well as one of celebration for England as he said: “I lost one of my friends a couple of days ago. He had quite a long battle with cancer. I’m pleased I scored for him. He was a big supporter and a good friend of mine. He was someone who came into my life.”

Rashford was given a start here as England manager Gareth Southgate shuffled his squad and performed with such distinction, as well as end product, that he has put himself in serious contention for a starting place against the dangerous African champions.

Raheem Sterling, whose form at Chelsea has been indifferent, may be under threat although Southgate is a huge admirer of what he brings to England and will not exclude him without a great deal of thought.

Irrespective of the role Southgate decides Rashford will fulfil, his steady rehabilitation is perfectly timed for England as they topped Group B with few alarms and now prepare for the tougher tests ahead.

Rashford missed a first-half chance when played in by Kane, yet to score in Qatar, but was key to an increase in England’s tempo at the start of the second half that overpowered Wales.

He showed the confidence to power home a free-kick for England’s opener then, after Foden doubled England’s lead, the Manchester United striker was rewarded for another driving run at pace into the heart of the Wales defence when keeper Danny Ward let his shot through his legs.

It was an element of fortune but no more than Rashford deserved as he now boasts an England scoring record of 15 goals from 49 games, with 22 starts. — BBC Sport