Mueez Ajao
– England turned on the class after a testing start to beat Senegal 3-0 at the 2022 World Cup and advance to the quarterfinals.
– The result sets up a tantalizing clash with France, who beat Poland 3-1 earlier in the day, for Gareth Southgate’s side in the two European heavyweights’ first-ever knockout round meeting at a World Cup.
– Jordan Henderson and captain Harry Kane both scored just before the break to secure a 2-0 half-time lead against a Senegal side that had looked entirely up to the task at the Al Bayt Stadium.
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– Speedy Senegal striker Boulaye Dia, who looked dangerous on the counter, came closest for the African side when he brought out a sharp one-handed save from Jordan Pickford after England’s defence carelessly gave the ball away just past the half-hour.
– Henderson settled England’s nerves in the 38th minute, stroking the ball home after being played in by Jude Bellingham at the end of a lovely passing move.
– Kane struck a ferocious shot past goalkeeper Edouard Mendy with the last kick of the first half, leaving him one goal behind Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 goals for England.
– Manager Rigobert Song rang the changes for Senegal at half-time but to little effect as Bukayo Saka put England three up in the 57th minute, applying a deft touch to Phil Foden’s cross through the six-yard box over the outstretched arms of Mendy.
– Saka’s strike took England’s total goals thus far in Qatar to 12 — level with the country’s World Cup record number scored in reaching the semifinals in Russia — as the Three Lions saw out the match at a canter.
England move on to the last 8!@adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 4, 2022
Big.
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 4, 2022
– Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling, who had started England’s first two matches, was left out of the squad entirely to deal with what the FA described as a “family matter.”
Raheem Sterling is not available for selection for the #ThreeLions tonight as he is dealing with a family matter. pic.twitter.com/CR6cU8J0wE
— England (@England) December 4, 2022
