In the round of 16 of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, England defeated Senegal 3-0 at the Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday thanks to goals from Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson, and Bukayo Saka.
2018 Russian semifinalist England was fortunate to avoid falling behind after a poor start against the champions of the Africa Cup of Nations.
In the first half hour, Boulaye Dia had two chances and Senegal had a penalty claim disallowed by VAR.
When Saka botched a backpass deep in his own half, Dia was first denied by a missed shot and then saved by a strong left hand from Jordan Pickford.
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However, England took the lead when Jude Bellingham found Henderson in the box from the left flank to make it 1-0 in their first well-crafted team play.
Henderson eventually left the field to a standing ovation, despite criticism that he was chosen above other players in the park’s centre.
The Borussia Dortmund prospect Bellingham, who again played a significant role when Harry Kane extended the Three Lions’ lead, may have been the most impressive of all.
While battling in the middle of the field, the Real Madrid target delivered a flawless left-footed pass for Phil Foden, who subsequently helped his captain for Kane’s first World Cup goal in the waning seconds of the first half.
With his feats, 19-year-old Bellingham became the first player since 2006’s Argentina legend Lionel Messi to score and assist in a World Cup before turning 20.
“I don’t want to big him up too much because he is still young but he’s one of the most gifted players I have ever seen,” beamed his teammate Foden post-match.
“He has no weakness in his game. I think he will be the best midfielder in the world.”
“They look like the strongest in the competition up to now,” Foden conceded.
“[But] we back ourselves every day and we are confident.”
