England survive early scare to beat Senegal 3-0 in the their round of 16 match yesterday to advance to the quarterfinals of the ongoing Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The result sets up a tantalizing clash with France, who beat Poland 3-1 earlier 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.
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.
After the break, Arsenal forward 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.
France beat Poland 3-1 in a record-smashing World Cup last-16 clash that saw Olivier Giroud become France’s outright all-time top scorer and Kylian Mbappe score a magnificent double.
France were relentless on the attack as they pushed for an opening goal but could not unlock a sturdy Poland until just before the break when Mbappe played a pin-point ball through to Giroud, who hammered it past a diving Wojciech Szczesny to claim his 52nd goal for Les Bleus.
Holders France continued to press after the break, with Giroud almost netting a second when he flicked Jules Kounde’s cross just past the near post. But Mbappe did not miss in the 74th minute, unleashing a missile from just inside the penalty area that shot into the top corner.
Mbappe was not done, adding a second goal in stoppage time with another screamer to seal the win and take his total for the tournament to five.
Poland got a consolation goal from a Robert Lewandowski penalty.
France will next face the winners of the England versus Senegal game, being played later on Sunday.
Today’s matches
Japan Vs Croatia
Brazil Vs South Korea
Yesterday’s Results
France 3-1 Poland
England 3-0 Senegal
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