Harry Kane has now scored 11 goals in major tournaments, surpassing Gary Lineker as England’s all-time leading scorer in those competitions. England defeated Senegal 3-0 to advance to the quarterfinals, where they will play France.
With Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Senegal in the last 16 thanks to Jude Bellingham’s masterful performance, England advanced to a titanic World Cup quarterfinal against holders France.
At the Al Bayt Stadium, Gareth Southgate’s team overcame a nervous start before Jordan Henderson and Harry Kane scored two decisive goals to defeat Senegal before the half.
Bukayo Saka scored England’s third goal, but Bellingham turned the game around thanks to their incredible work rate and growing possession quality.
Henderson’s opening goal was set up by Bellingham, and the Borussia Dortmund midfielder was also involved.
Overtaking Gary Lineker as England’s all-time leading scorer in major tournaments, Kane has now scored 11 times.
However, Bellingham emerged as England’s driving force at the tender age of 19.
He became the first teenager since 1966 to contribute to a World Cup knockout game. He had already made his global stage by scoring his first goal for England in their 6-2 group-opening victory over Iran.
The precocious Bellingham was completely unfazed in the biggest game of his life against Senegal, just two years after playing in the English second tier with Birmingham.
england will require one more order execution from Bellingham assuming they are to broaden their visit to Qatar past the last eight.
After France defeated Poland 3-1 on Sunday, England will return to the Al Khor desert on Saturday in hopes of reaching the semifinals for the third time in a row at major tournaments.
England, the runners-up at Euro 2020, have only won one of their last eight encounters with France, who pose a serious threat to their chances of winning their first major title in 56 years.
Southgate boasted that “we have an embarrassment of riches in all areas of the pitch” in defending his decision to switch Marcus Rashford for Saka despite the forward’s double against Wales.
England hit their stride to demonstrate why Southgate has such confidence in them after a rocky start in which they passed too slowly and appeared anxious in the back.
– A jolt of adrenaline – Senegal, the African champions, initially showed no fear as they tested England’s composure with a high press, fueled by the incessant drumming of their enthusiastic fans.
When Boulaye Dia’s volley deflected off John Stones and into the path of Ismaila Sarr, Senegal missed a golden opportunity to take the lead. The Watford forward then scored from close range.
Sarr harried Saka, preying on England’s nerves, and Dia won the loose ball and drove hard enough to force Jordan Pickford into a good save.
England took the lead against the run of play in the 38th minute as a result of that turning point.
After snapping up Harry Kane’s incisive pass into the Senegal area, Bellingham made a hasty cutback that Henderson, a Liverpool midfielder, was able to direct his low shot past Edouard Mendy from 12 yards out.
England doubled their lead just before the break thanks to Henderson’s goal, which sent a surge of adrenaline coursing through the team.
With a crisp pass to Foden and a well-timed tackle, Bellingham was the catalyst, allowing Kane to race clear for a clinical finish.
England played well into the second half, and in the 57th minute, Saka gave Southgate’s faith back by making the difference.
Foden made a strong run down the left, and Saka got to his cross and made a smart effort from close range that beat Mendy.