England will play World Cup holders France in the quarter-final of the World Cup 2022 after Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson and Bukayo Saka’s goals saw off Senegal.
Gareth Southgate’s side were worthy of the 3-0 win at Al Bayt Stadium after overcoming a tough opening 25 minutes before stamping their authority on the game.
Jude Bellingham was the spark for the win after his surging run and cross led to Henderson’s opening goal in the 38th minute.
He was again involved as Kane finally got off the mark in Qatar and Saka rounded off the scoring with the latter two goals set up by Phil Foden.
Nizaar Kinsella watched on within the 68,000-seater Al Bayt Stadium.
Jordan Pickford - 7
Pickford had to be quick off his line to cut out counterattacks from Senegal’s pacey forwards. He was forced into a huge save from Dia in the 32nd minute. It was his best performance of the tournament so far.
Kyle Walker - 5
Walker was chosen ahead of Kieran Trippier after a sharp display against Wales. The England right back was lucky not to be booked for a foul on Ismaila Sarr in the 37th minute. He didn’t look as fit as he did against lesser opposition, having had six weeks out injured before the tournament.
It might give Southgate some thought about whether to recall Trippier.
John Stones - 6
Stones headed over a half chance from a corner in the 21st minute and had a penalty shout against him for handball but it rightly wasn’t given midway through the first half.
Harry Maguire - 6
Maguire was seemingly targeted because of his lack of recovery pace but competed well, recovering to tackle Boulaye Dia who was through on goal. He was involved in several moments cutting out transitions early on where his speed was tested. He gave away possession a few times but did so by trying to be progressive with his passing.
Luke Shaw - 7
He was part of a left-sided attack that destroyed Senegal’s left in the first half. He linked up well with Bellingham, Foden and Kane.
Jude Bellingham - 10
Jude Bellingham became the youngest player to start a knockout tournament game for England since Wayne Rooney in 2004.
The 19-year-old was a dominant force at the heart of the midfield and has already emerged as England’s most important player.
His sensational surging run down the middle from a corner led to Harry Kane’s goal after sidestepping challenges and playing in Foden to supply for Kane.
He had already set up Jorden Henderson and Saka should have scored from his early cross. Absolutely sensational.
Jordan Henderson - 8
Selected ahead of Mason Mount, the Liverpool captain got a crucial opening goal in an evenly-matched first half. He arrived into the box and tapped in from close range after an impressive build up plays down the left.
Declan Rice - 6
A disciplined display allowed others play their football while he anchored in midfield. He did get one of his West Ham-style surges down the right where he produced a good cross. Rice clearly showed he belongs at this level but let others shine.
Phil Foden - 9
Retaining his place from England’s 3-0 win over Wales, the 22-year-old started his first World Cup knockout game after Raheem Sterling pulled out due to personal reasons. He was involved in a host of attacks down the left, moving the ball quickly with the brilliant players around him. He registered an assist for Kane’s goal but Bellingham did all the work.
He shone most setting up Saka’s goal, riding a bad challenge before his low cross was finished off by his fellow winger.
Bukayo Saka - 7
The Arsenal man needed several chances before getting his goal. He ultimately scored early in the second half with a clever dinked finish over Mendy after a brilliant assist from Foden.
He did, however, waste two chances from Bellingham and Kane’s crosses to the far post. He needed the goal after also giving Senegal their chance of the game after sloppy play on the edge of his own box.
There may still be some debate about whether Sterling returns to take his place against France or whether Rashford should be included instead.
Harry Kane - 8
Having got three assists in his first three games, the England captain finally scored himself at Al Bayt Stadium.
The 29-year-old smashed his shot past Edouard Mendy after blazing an early chance over. He was still dropping into midfield and creating for others and his hold up play was excellent throughout the match.
Substitutes
Eric Dier - N/A
Dier came on in the 77th minute and allowed John Stones his first rest of the tournament.
Mason Mount - N/A
Came on with Dier to allow Bellingham a rest with his energy no doubt needed against France.
Kalvin Phillips - N/A
The Manchester City midfielder got more minutes in the tank after his recent injury.
Jack Grealish - 6
Arrived on to the pitch in the 65th minute, allowing Southgate to rest Foden who had produced a lot of high-intensity running.
Marcus Rashford - 6
Came on with Grealish for Saka to play on the right where he has been clinical with a goal every 36 minutes so far in this tournament. He didn’t manage to score but the team know who to call when they need a goal. Went close in injury time.
