England has booked their place in the quarter-finals after dominating Senegal 3-0.
It looked like it could be ‘one of those days for England after they had failed to impress in the opening 38 minutes.
They were stale and played like the weight of the jersey was holding them down. Senegal pressed high and looked by far the better side.
They would have taken the lead if it wasn’t for a world-class save from Everton’s Jordan Pickford.
Senegal really are knocking on the door at this point! 🇸🇳
The west African side have had the two best chances of the game so far… 👀#ITVFootball | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/KUWFTHgpNW
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) December 4, 2022
And counter they did, thanks to some slick play and a sensational Jude Bellingham run they managed to exploit the space down Senegal’s left. The Borussia Dortmund star pulled back the ball for an on-rushing Jordan Henderson.
England take the lead through Jordan Henderson!! 🙌🏴
Despite a lacklustre first 40 minutes, a quick break from Southgate’s men sees the deadlock broken! 🤩#ITVFootball | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/RARCL3x0nY
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) December 4, 2022
Senegal retaliated again by pushing men forward and England once again launched a devastating counter. This time it was Harry Kane who got on the score sheet, finally opening his World Cup account.
“You weren’t going to keep him off the scoresheet for long!” 😏
Harry Kane tops off a swift counter-attack to make it 2-0 to England!! 🙌🏴#ITVFootball | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/3BsIX3m76F
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) December 4, 2022
Bukayo Saka then scored England’s third and final goal with a delicate chip over the out rushing goalkeeper.
And that’s three!! 🙌
Bukayo Saka’s third goal of the competition marks England’s 12th as the Three Lions get one step closer to a quarter-final tie with France! 🏴#ITVFootball | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/gWh8sLaHDo
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) December 4, 2022
The real test now lies ahead of England, they must try to overcome a French team who have looked devastating in the tournament so far.