England got victory 3-0 over Senegal to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup
England overcame a difficult start with a stunning 3-0 win over Senegal to reach the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup at Al Bayt Stadium.
Teranga Lions gave Gareth Southgate’s erratic side a few scares, but two quick strikes from Jordan Henderson and Harry Kane in quick succession produced two more goals before the break.
Bukayo Saka, the only change from Wales’ win, added a third to his hat-trick early in the second half to put the score all clear but it was far from a cakewalk for the 2018 semi-finalists rewarded with a last-16 clash against defending champions France.
Although Senegal caused England plenty of problems with their aggressive pressing early on, the Three Lions didn’t make it easy for them with countless misplaced passes.
Harry Maguire and John Stones were the main culprits, with Crepin Diata intercepting an earlier pass in the 23rd minute, whose cross found Boulay Dia as the Salernitana striker crossed for Stones.
The Manchester City defender did enough to deny Dee, but the ball fell easily to Watford’s Ismaila Sarri, who could only shoot from a few yards out.
Stones’ unsuccessful handball penalty appeals failed and England were awarded another crucial break in the 32nd minute when Jordan Pickford blocked Dia Saka’s cross with a powerful right-hander.
The Three Lions warmed up slowly for the most part, but a quick rise up the pitch paid off in the 38th minute when Bellingham slotted past Henderson after a goal after Kane put him in as he dropped deep as usual. .
Kane had a chance to double England’s lead just three minutes later, but he tipped Saka’s shot wide, although he ended up scoring his first goal of the 2022 World Cup just before the half-time whistle.
Once again, the brilliant Bellingham helped England build, progress and find Foden, who denied Kane’s dive and beat Eduardo Mendy for the Three Lions’ 52nd goal. all-time record 53.
With just 12 minutes remaining, England put the ball in the back of the net for a third time when Phil Foden raced past a challenge down the left before meeting Sacco in the middle and the Arsenal man lifted the ball. Going for his third World Cup goal.
With the delighted Senegal fans still talking loudly, Aliou Cisse’s men were comfortably second in the second half and watched in disbelief as England pushed the ball around with ease.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Pape Sarr had a brief glimpse of a goal from a free-kick in the 74th minute, but his shot hit the side-netting and England were unconcerned about the dying embers heading into the next round.
Southgate’s side now have five days to recover before facing France, who beat Poland 3-1 in the final, at the Al Bayta Stadium next Saturday.
Lineups:
England Replacements: Pope, Ramsdale, Grealish, Rashford, Trippier, Phillips, Dier, Coady, Alexander-Arnold, Mount, Wilson, Maddison, Gallagher
Senegal Replacements: Seny, Gomis, Formose, Cisse, M. Ndiaye, Toure, P. Gueye, P.M. Sarr, Name, Loum, Bamba, Famara, Jackson
Scorers:
England
Yellow Cards:
