England are now going through the throes of gearing up for a blockbuster World Cup quarter-final encounter against World Cup holders France on Saturday night after a convincing, comfortable 3-0 victory over Senegal in the last 16.
Jordan Henderson, skipper Harry Kane and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka were spot on target as Gareth Southgate’s men brushed aside without much ado a team that won the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. Needless to say the task was one made much easier without the presence of Senegal’s talisman Sadio Mane.
Captain Kane – now bolstered with his first goal in Qatar – is understandably on a wave of optimism, insisting England would be ready for the challenge of a French side who cruised past Poland 3-1 in their own last-16 match yesterday.
“We enjoy this one but then of course our focus then turns straight to that,” he said.
“It’s going to be a really tough game, they’re the reigning champions but it will be a good battle. We’ll recover nicely now and get ready for the game.”
England’s skipper hailed the maturity his team showed after their initial struggles to impose themselves on a game where Senegal provided most of the threat for the first 30 minutes until Henderson’s breakthrough goal seven minutes before the interval.
“Credit to the boys, our mentality was top from the beginning and we took our chances when they came,’ he told ITV.
“We’ve got a great blend of youth and experience and another knockout win. Over the years it’s not been easy for England, so to win 3-0 was just a really great night.”
Phil Foden, provider of assists for two of the goals, heaped praise on the contribution of 19-year-old Jude Bellingham who was an indubitable driving force as England scored twice late in the first half.
“I don’t want to big him up too much because he’s still young but he’s one of the most gifted players I’ve ever seen,’ he said. ‘I don’t see any weaknesses in his game and he’s going to be the best midfielder in the world, for sure.”