England player ratings as Jude Bellingham and Jordan Henderson shine and two others impress against Senegal

England set up a mouth-watering World Cup quarter-final tie against holders France after they despatched African champions Senegal with ease at the Al Bayt Stadium.

Quick-fire goals from Jordan Henderson and Harry Kane late in the first half all-but secured Gareth Southgate’s side’s place in the final eight of the Qatar finals, before Bukayo Saka grabbed a third after the interval to seal an assertive 3-0 victory.

As has been the case throughout the tournament so far, the Three Lions struggled to roar into action during the first half and instead found themselves on the back foot at times, with Jordan Pickford forced into action to superbly deny Boulaye Dia from close range.

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Watford winger Ismaïla Sarr was also guilty of blazing one over from inside the area after John Stones failed to adequately deal with a cross.

However, it was the Liverpool skipper who would make the all-important breakthrough after 38 minutes as Southgate’s side continued to probe Edouard Mendy’s goal. Timing his run from deep to perfection, Henderson swept home Jude Bellingham’s cut-back to finally breach Senegal’s mean defence.

Just moments later, with the final play of the half, Bellingham once again displayed his phenomenal talents as he sidestepped numerous challenges to set Phil Foden away on the counter-attack. The Manchester City winger switched the ball to Kane, who made no mistake in beating Mendy in a one-on-one.

There was still time for Saka to get in on the act after the interval as he applied the most graceful of finishes to Foden’s delivery. The 22-year-old had created a wonderful opening to cross the ball to the Arsenal man after some delicate footwork down the left-hand side.

England will face France on Saturday for a place in the World Cup semi-final.

Here’s the ECHO’s Keifer MacDonald with ratings from England’s victory at the Al Bayt Stadium.

Jordan Pickford 7

Excellently palmed away Dia’s effort from close-range as England slumbered midway through the first half. Once again had little to do after the interval.

Kyle Walker 7

Lucky to escape an early yellow card after a coming together with Sarr, but was more than comfortable in his second, and most testing, start since October.

John Stones 7

Steady alongside Maguire. Although had a slight lapse in concentration in the opening stages but Sarr was unable to capitalise on it.

Harry Maguire 7

Continued his winter revival with another strong showing alongside close friend and team-mate Stones. Endured his most difficult moment against Ndiaye early on as the Championship hot-shot looked to target the Manchester United captain with pace. Was more than comfortable in both his aerial and ground duels afterwards.

Luke Shaw 7

Defensively solid and has formed a good relationship with Bellingham on the left.

Declan Rice 8

Bossed the midfield with ease once again and provided vital foundations for both Henderson and Bellingham to prosper further forward and combine for the all-important opener.

As always, Rice kept it straightforward and not flashy. Will likely end the Qatar finals as England’s most underrated player.

Jordan Henderson8

Perhaps the evening when the Liverpool skipper finally endeared himself to the hearts of England supporters as he fired the Three Lions ahead. Reds supporters will be licking their lips at the prospect of seeing the 32-year-old link up with Bellingham on a regular basis after a fine move from the duo.

Once again brought intelligence and energy to England’s play, which was much needed at times as they lumbered around the turf at times in the opening 45 minutes.

Jude Bellingham 9

Handed another outing in an advanced, less restricted midfield role, the teenager was the headline-grabber as he produced the goods for England once more. Assisted Henderson superbly for the Three Lions’ opener and was instrumental in Kane’s goal as he fought off half-hearted challenges from Senegal bodies before timing his pass to Foden immensely. Forged a strong understanding with Shaw on the left-hand side too.

Next Saturday awaits the biggest test of his career and one he will no doubt relish.

Phil Foden 9

Took like a duck to water in his first knockout start for England and justified why there has been so much clamour for his inclusion over the past seven days. Bagged himself two assists as he effortlessly assisted both Kane and Saka.

Has to start against France.

Harry Kane 9

Despite finally getting off the mark as he grabbed England’s second on the stroke of half-time, the 2018 Golden Boot winner delivered his best performance of the tournament as he spent the majority of the contest with his back to Senegal’s goal, demonstrating his fine playmaking qualities. Koulibaly and Diallo couldn’t get close to Kane all night and resorted to kicking lumps out of Southgate’s skipper.

A fine finish to put England out of sight.

Bukayo Saka 8

Continued his fine goal-scoring efforts in Qatar as he grabbed his third goal of the finals. Was perhaps the quietest of the forward trio but burst into life down the right-hand side early in the second half.

Subs

Grealish (Foden 65’) 6

Ran the clock down well and kept possession for England. Won a late free-kick with his trickery.

Rashford (Saka 65’) 6

Nearly added the icing on the cake with a fourth goal late.

Mount (Bellingham 76’) 6

Appeared.

Dier (Stones 76’) 6

Helped Pickford claim a third clean sheet of the finals.

Phillips (Henderson 82’) N/A

Hello.

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