Free-scoring England extended their unbeaten record against African teams with a 3-0 win over Senegal on Sunday, including a first goal of this World Cup from captain Harry Kane as they set up a quarter-final clash with holders France.
England initially looked sluggish against Senegal’s fast forwards, in the first-ever meeting between the two nations, with a stunning one-handed save from Jordan Pickford stopping Boulaye Dia from giving the African side a shock lead.
But Jordan Henderson calmed England’s nerves in the 38th minute by stroking the ball home after being played in by Jude Bellingham at the end of a fine pass.
Kane smashed a ferocious shot past goalkeeper Edouard Mendy with the final kick of the first half, leaving him one goal behind Wayne Rooney’s England record of 53 goals.
Nippy winger Bukayo Saka took third with a nice chip over Mendy from a cross from Phil Foden in the 57th minute.
England’s goal fest in Qatar – 12 so far – equals their previous best World Cup tally in Russia 2018 as they made it to the semi-finals. They scored 11 in winning the world title in 1966.