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England and Senegal Flag in front of the soccer field

England will face France in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday after an impressive victory over Senegal at Al Bayt Stadium

December 04, 20223 min read

Gareth Southgate's side overcame a tense start in which goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made an outstanding save from Boulaye Dia to run out convincing winners with a powerful display of attacking strength.

Jude Bellingham was England's star man, setting up the first goal for Jordan Henderson with a perfect cross after 38 minutes and then having a hand in the second on the stroke of half-time, combining with Phil Foden as captain Harry Kane powered home his first of the tournament.

It moved Kane one goal closer to Wayne Rooney's all-time record of 53 England goals, and he now has the perfect opportunity here in Qatar to write a new chapter in England's history.

As England wrapped up the game in the 57th minute, Foden was the creator once more, crossing for Bukayo Saka to show great awareness and touch to flick a delicate finish past Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

It capped a perfect night for manager Southgate, who chose to rest Saka and stick with Foden despite Marcus Rashford's two goals against Wales. After a break-in at his family home, Raheem Sterling was not considered and will now return to England.

England’s World Cup taking shape

England took a while to click against Senegal, but once they did, they displayed a level of creativity that gives them a real advantage and makes them genuine contenders for this World Cup.

The early concerns came when Senegal attempted to expose Harry Maguire's lack of pace, which they did twice and will be noted by France and Kylian Mbappe, but once Bellingham asserted his authority over the midfield, England were able to take control and cruise to victory.

The 19-year-old from Borussia Dortmund has already had an outstanding World Cup, but he now has power and production on the biggest stage to add to his reputation.

Bellingham is the archetypal modern midfielder, and the way he combined with Foden for England's second goal, which was completed by a rousing finish from Kane, was a glimpse into a bright future.

Foden has also grown into this World Cup, scoring against Wales and assisting on two goals. England's midfield and attack are coming together just in time for the sternest of tests against France and the unrivaled Mbappe.

Henderson and Declan Rice allowed Bellingham to flourish, while Saka and Foden once again demonstrated their maturity and threat from wide positions.

Kane is the 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 major tournaments, such as Euro 2020, and Southgate will have been pleased to see how emphatically he finished the chance he got for the second goal.

Pickford’s vital contribution

Pickford has had little to do in this World Cup, but when called upon, he made a crucial intervention against Senegal, paving the way for England to get their act together and win with ease.

England's defense struggled in the first half, with Dia missing one big chance before being presented with another that required Pickford to make a strong one-handed save from his angled shot.

Senegal fell behind quickly, and England never looked like relinquishing their lead, with Southgate's side winning with ease after an uneventful second half.

Pickford's place in the England team has been called into question from time to time, but never by Southgate, who has complete faith in a player who has never let him down.

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