England 3-0 Senegal: Bellingham cements claim as world’s best midfielder as England march on
Gareth Southgate heralded England’s desire and determination despite Senegal’s early resilience in their 3-0 round-of-16 victory over Senegal.
The result sets up a mouth-watering quarter-final clash with France on Saturday at 7pm.
Senegal were impeccably well organised and frustrated England for much of the early stages as Jordan Pickford was the busier of the two goalkeepers.
Jordan Henderson eventually squeezed England ahead on 38 minutes before Harry Kane made it 2-0 with the last kick of the first half.
Bukayo Saka put England three up just before the hour-mark and his side then proceeded to kill the game off as Senegal ran out of creative ideas.
Southgate said of his side’s early toils: “I think we were a bit sticky with the ball in the first 25-30 minutes.
“Senegal had a lot of energy, they pressed well, their shape was good and really our best opportunities came from winning the ball off them.”
He outlined Jude Bellingham, who added further gloss to his swelling reputation, and Henderson as particularly important to England’s ability to turn defence into attack.
Bellingham himself was indeed an utter joy to behold once again. His intelligence off the ball combined with his elegance on it is unrivalled anywhere in world football at this moment in time.
Bellingham had talked up Henderson’s impact on his own form during the week so it was not surprising that he came out in praise for and defence of his midfield partner after the game. He dismissed talk from some quarters questioning Henderson’s value to the team.
“He is so underrated technically,” he said. “He’s delivered again in a big game with a massive goal. So I think it’s time he gets bit of respect.”
The major concern coming out of the game for England is that they were outplayed for the first half an hour.
Aliou Cissé offered no excuses for his side’s loss but it could all have been very different if Senegal had taken their early chances.
Ismaïla Sarr blazed over from 6 yards after 22 minutes before setting up Boulaye Dia who drew a fine save from Jordan Pickford. Either chance finding the back of the net would have put England on the back foot.
Given their labours in possession that isn’t a prospect any England fan will relish.
Bellingham’s running from deep and ability to take on a man proved a valuable outlet but France’s dynamic and balanced midfield will be better equipped to cope with his movement.
They also boast a certain Kylian Mbappé in their ranks who is the standout attacking player of the tournament so far. This could prove a watershed moment for the PSG star and Gareth Southgate was honest in his assessment of his side’s chances against France.
He pointed to the difficulties England would have dealing with Mbappé and his wonderful supporting cast.
Many onlookers will take this as a sign that Southgate will tinker with his formula on Saturday.
If England do bow out against the World Champions it will not be without huge merit despite many pre-tournament detractors.
Regardless of Saturday’s outcome, Gareth Southgate deserves to lead England to another major tournament.
