England set up one of the greatest quarter-final ties against France thanks to a convincing 3-0 win over Senegal on Sunday. Goals from Jordan Henderson and Harry Kane put Gareth Southgate’s side 2-0 up at half-time. Bukayo Saka then added a third goal early in the second half. The Three Lions went into the Round of 16 ties as favourites but Senegal are champions of Africa and weren’t expected to give their star-studded opponents an easy night.
It took 21 minutes for fans to see the first shot at goal from either team. John Stones headed wide from a corner before Ismaila Sarr blazed over from close range following some unconvincing defending from Harry Maguire. It was a huge let-off for Southgate’s team and a wake-up call for the Euro 2020 finalists. Jordan Pickford then produced a big save for England on the half-hour mark, denying Boulaye Dia from close range with a strong hand. Senegal boss Aliou Cisse must have wondered how, then, his side found themselves 1-0 down against the run of play in the 38th minute. Henderson finished an excellent team move involving Kane and Jude Bellingham, who continue to enhance his burgeoning reputation in Qatar. The 19-year-old, who joined Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020, then helped England double their advantage on the stroke of half-time. The midfielder drove through the middle of the pitch before playing in Phil Foden, whose first-time pass allowed Kane to finish past Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
England continued from where they left off in the second half with Saka making it 3-0 in the 57th minute following some excellent wing play from Foden, who registered his second assist of the evening. No further goals were scored as England enjoyed a comfortable final half-hour, reserving some energy ahead of what promises to be a tough quarter-final.
England will face France on Saturday evening at the same stadium they saw off Senegal. Who do you think qualifies?