England will face France in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday after a stunning demolition of Senegal at the Albeit Stadium.
Gareth Southgate’s side survived a nervy start with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford making a superb save from Boloy Dia to run out convincing winners with a powerful display of attacking prowess.
Jude Bellingham was England’s star man, scoring the first goal after 38 minutes with a perfect cross for Jordan Henderson before getting a hand in the second on the stroke of half-time, with Phil Foden joining captain Harry Kane for his first goal. What did Tournament
That leaves Kane just one behind Wayne Rooney’s all-time record of 53 England goals and he now has the perfect stage to write a new page in the history books in Qatar.
Foden was the creator again as England wrapped up the game in the 57th minute, Bokaio Saka’s cross with great awareness and touch to beat Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
It capped a perfect night for manager Southgate, who opted to reinstate Saka and keep faith with Foden, leaving Marcus Rashford off despite scoring twice in the win over Wales. Raheem Sterling was not considered after a break-in at his family home and will now return to England.
England’s World Cup taking shape
England took a while to move through the gears against Senegal but when they clicked they showed a level of creativity that gives them a real edge and makes them genuine contenders for this World Cup.
Early concerns arose when Senegal tried to expose Harry Maguire’s lack of pace, which they did twice and were noted by France and Kylian Mbappe, but once Bellingham extended his authority in midfield and They managed to lead England to victory.
The 19-year-old from Borussia Dortmund has already won the World Cup in spectacular fashion but now has the power and production on the biggest stage to add to his reputation.
Bellingham is the epitome of a modern midfield player and the way he linked up with Foden for England’s second goal, which was superbly finished by Kane, was a glimpse of a golden future.
Foden has also improved this World Cup, scoring against Wales and making two goals here. England’s midfield and attack are shaping up with perfect timing for what will be the toughest Test clash against France and Pierre-Emelie Mbappe.
Henderson and Declan Rice allowed Bellingham to flourish while Saka once again showed his maturity and threat from wide positions alongside Foden.
Kane is the most mobile spearhead up front and it is a good sign for England that he is now on the goal trail and chasing Rooney’s record. He occasionally needs to play his way into big tournaments, such as at Euro 2020, and Southgate will have been delighted to see how strongly he finished off chances for a second goal.
Pickford’s vital contribution
Pickford had little to do at this World Cup but when called into action he made a crucial interception against Senegal that paved the way for England to get their act together and win comfortably.
England struggled in defense early on, with Dea missing a big chance before being gifted another that required a strong one-handed stop from Pickford’s angled shot.
Senegal were soon behind and England had the momentum they never threatened to relinquish, securing a much-needed win after an uncertain second half from Southgate.
Pickford’s place in the England team has occasionally been questioned from outside but never by Southgate, who has full faith in a player who has never let him down.
