England will face defending champions France in the quarter-final of the World Cup after a comfortable win against Senegal in Al Khor on Sunday evening.
The result means that Senegal are unable to further capitalise on what has been their best performance in a World Cup tournament since 2002, where they reached the quarter-finals.
The Three Lions dominated much of the match, registering 61% possession throughout.
Their play resulted in 3 well-worked goals, coming from Jordan Henderson, Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane, who ended his mini goal drought in the tournament.
But it was youngster Bellingham who ran the show on Sunday evening, being at the centre of the opening two goals, one of them being a clever low cross to Henderson inside the 18-yard box.
England began with a lively start common in their games so far, Bellingham being unlucky not to find a teammate with a sharp cross from the left hand side nine minutes in.
It was important for Southgate’s side to keep possession in the match’s early moments, with Senegal being speedy and devastating on the counter.
And The Three Lions continued to perform as expected, Kane proving that England would be a danger with crosses from the left.
Kane, who is known for his playmaking as well as his goal scoring ability, finished the 2020/21 Premier League season with 14 assists, more than any other player.
Southgate’s side dominated with the ball, having 69% possession by the first 20 minutes, albeit with zero shots so far.
The first clear chance came from Senegal against the run of play, Ismaila Sarr arguably squandering a chance from close range two minutes on.
Aliou Cisse’s side have made a good start to the tournament despite losing key player Sadio Mane, who was unable to recover from an injury sustained last month whilst on club duty for FC Bayern Munich.
This would remain the only shot for the following 10 minutes, England continuing to have majority possession without creating clear chances.
However, a second chance came for Senegal immediately after, Pickford producing an important save from close range after a powerful shot could have opened the scoring for the Lions of Teranga.
There were appeals for a booking in the 37th minute, Kyle Walker perhaps lucky to escape without a caution after bringing down Sarr just beyond the halfway line.
Walker, who is a four-time Premier League champion with Manchester City, returned from a lengthy groin injury against Wales in England’s final group game.
The opening goal came from Southgate’s side, veteran Henderson producing a smart finish following an accurate low cross from Bellingham six minutes before half time.
The Three Lions could have doubled their lead two minutes later, Kane blasting his shot over the bar just outside the six-yard box.
Kane, who only needs THREE more England goals to beat Wayne Rooney’s record of 53, is yet to score in the tournament so far, despite grabbing three assists.
However, his drought ended just before half time, slotting in a chance from close range following a pass from Phil Foden, with Bellingham again being at the centre of the attack.
Kane’s finish was ultimately the final action before the break, Southgate’s side entering halftime with a two-goal lead.
England started the second half with the lion’s share of possession, forcing the majority of their opponents to stay camped in their own box.
It appeared as if Cisse’s side were primarily focused on not conceding more goals, their most notable action in the first 10 minutes being sweeping crosses out of the box.
Their plan ceased to be successful with England’s third, Saka netting his third of the tournament following a low cross from Foden, who grabbed his second assist of the game.
Saka, who was subjected to racial abuse from supporters following last year’s European Championship, becomes the joint-second top scorer of the tournament, alongside SIX other players.
Southgate made his first substitutions shortly after the hour mark, in-form pair Saka and Foden making way for Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford, the latter making his 50th appearance for The Three Lions.
The pace of the game slowed down after England’s third goal, both sides appearing to accept the outcome of the scoreline.
The Lions of Teranga had their first opportunity 74 minutes in with a free kick, although it ultimately did little to trouble Jordan Pickford.
England’s following two changes came two minutes later, Eric Dier and Mason Mount coming on for Bellingham and John Stones respectively.
Southgate made his fifth and final chance eight minutes from full time, Kalvin Phillips in place of goalscorer Henderson.
Phillips, likewise to City teammate Walker, was a previous doubt for the World Cup with an injury, registering only nine minutes at club level so far this season.
Cisse’s side continued to do little to trouble Pickford in stoppage time, failing to add to their total of eight shots throughout the game.
Their inability to convert was shown when a corner fell straight to Kane in the 94th minute.
With the score ending 3-0 to England, The Three Lions have booked themselves a place in the quarter-finals against defending champions France, at the expense of Senegal, who have ended their stay in the tournament following their first knockout appearance in 20 years.
Southgate’s high-scoring side will look to add to their tally against their upcoming opponents, who grabbed three goals against Poland earlier that day.
What’s next for England?
- Southgate’s side will take on defending champions France on Saturday 10th December at 19.00pm GMT.
- The match is confirmed to be on ITV, with coverage likely beginning from 18.00pm.
- Both sides are in good form and are the two highest scorers in the tournament so far
Does England have what it takes to beat France?
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