England will face France on Saturday after a comfortable 3-0 win over Senegal.
Sports Desk : dhakamirror.com
England will play France on Saturday. With their 3-0 win over Senegal, the Three Lions officially booked their spot in the World Cup quarterfinals.
England played well against the African team after seeing the Netherlands, Argentina, and Les Bleus advance to the round of 16.
In the first half, Senegal had most of the chances, raising concerns of an upset.
Ismaila Sarr was active in front of England’s static backline, threading a pass forward into the penalty area, but Jordan Pickford saved the chance with his left hand.
Harry Maguire twice lost the ball trying to pass from defense to midfield, and Jude Bellingham couldn’t get on the ball. England were sloppy in possession.
Southgate didn’t worry and was convinced his team selection would succeed as the contest went.
Senegal’s penalty shout was the next key incident, but VAR ruled that the ball hit John Stones’ knee before his hand.
England improved their counter-attacking just as Senegal was dreaming of a famous win.
An incisive breakaway saw Bellingham free on the left side, and the Borussia Dortmund midfielder cut the ball back to an onrushing Jordan Henderson, who slid the ball beyond Edouard Mendy.
Senegal had to get to the break at 1-0, but they couldn’t. With time on the clock up, Bellingham again won the ball energetically in midfield and surged through the middle of the pitch.
He expertly rode three attempts of intentional fouls before placing a perfect pass into the path of Phil Foden.
Foden, making use of the last defender, curled the ball into space and Harry Kane netted his first goal of the tournament with a blistering half-volley. England eased through the second-half
In truth, the result was sealed with the right-footed strike from England’s captain, but England were professional in their second-half work.
Southgate was able to make several substitutions to rest players ahead of the aforementioned clash with the defending World Champions.
Yet, Bukayo Saka was able to add a third goal in the early stages of the half.
Foden played some beautiful football with Kane and Luke Shaw, and then he just slid the ball across the box to the Arsenal winger.
Saka chipped the ball over Mendy to finish the rout and make sure England would make it to the quarterfinals for the second straight World Cup.
