England stroll into World Cup Quarter Final

England defeat African Cup of Nations Champions Senegal 3-0 in Al Bayt

Photo: Stephen Gormley (Red Eye Photo Agency)

The World Cup is a marathon not a sprint and England seemed to start their Round of 16  match against Senegal like a team pacing themselves.

Their play was a bit sluggish early on. Maguire gave the ball way two or three times with England’s goalkeeper Pickford letting him know about it each time to keep him on his toes.

Pickford was forced to make two good saves in the first 30 minutes. But that was that for Senegal. England moved through the gears with their midfield running the show through the remaining two thirds of the game.

A good sleek move resulted in England’s first goal of the night. Bellingham went past his man effortlessly and swept in a ball for Henderson to put into the back of the net.

That first goal got England going and just before half time the game was up for Senegal when Harry Kane finished off a sleek move with a clinical finish to make it 2-0.

The second half was an exercise in possession football and conserving of energy. England capped off the comfortable win following another great move down the left and a beautiful majestic finish from the brilliant Saka to make it 3-0 on the night.

Up next for England is a Quarter Final clash on Saturday against current World Champions, France, who comfortably defeated Poland 3-1 in their Round of 16 match.