England vs Senegal: Talking points from England stunning victory over Senegal

England defeated Senegal with ease to go to a quarterfinal matchup with France.

England players celebrating their win against Senegal (image: twitter/FIFA)
By Mahaksh Chauhan | Dec 5, 2022 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

At the 2022 World Cup, England overcame a rocky beginning to defeat Senegal 3-0 and advance to the quarterfinals. The outcome sets up a mouthwatering matchup between Gareth Southgate’s team and France, who defeated Poland 3-1 earlier in the day, in the first-ever knockout stage meeting between the two European powers at a World Cup. After the game, Southgate praised his team’s “fantastic” ruthlessness. Every game you play has a unique challenge and a distinct tactical issue to tackle. We have taken the initiative to respond to those inquiries.

“The moves were of exceptional quality, and the finishing was merciless.” At Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, Jordan Henderson and captain Harry Kane each scored just before halftime to give their team a 2-0 halftime lead over a Senegal team that had previously appeared more than capable of handling the challenge. Speedy After England’s defence negligently gave the ball away just beyond the half-hour mark, Senegal striker Boulaye Dia, who looked threatening on the break, came closest for the African team when he brought out a sharp one-handed stop from Jordan Pickford.

Really difficult. No knockout game is ever simple, “Man of the Match Kane said. “We’ve displayed excellent maturity throughout the competition, winning 3-0 today against a really strong team. From the start, mentality was key, and we seized opportunities as they presented themselves. “We are confident, have talented players moving forward, and have a strong back line. A truly wonderful day for us.”

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Kane for the record ?

In the 38th minute, Henderson calmed England’s nerves by stroking the ball home after Jude Bellingham had played him in at the end of a beautiful passing play. With the final ball of the first half, Kane sent a fierce shot past Edouard Mendy, moving him one goal behind Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 goals for England. At halftime, Senegal’s manager Aliou Cisse made a few substitutions, but it had little impact as England went up three goals in the 57th minute thanks to a skillful touch from Bukayo Saka on Phil Foden’s cross through the 6-yard box over Mendy’s outstretched arms.

“We have worked hard for years to be the African champions, but tonight you witnessed the difference because we faced one of the best five teams in the world,” Cisse remarked. “You could see by the problems they presented and their physical toughness that we were playing a very talented England squad. Additionally, we didn’t perform as well as we could have.

The win brought England’s overall unbeaten streak against African teams to 21, including eight World Cup appearances. The only remaining African team in the competition is Morocco, which takes on Spain on Tuesday.