FIFA World Cup: England oust Senegal to enter quarter finals

England breezed past Senegal with a 3-0 victory in the round of 16 encounter at the Al-Bayt Stadium to set up a tempting World Cup quarterfinal matchup with the reigning champions France.

Senegal had looked well capable of fighting England, but Jordan Henderson and captain Harry Kane scored shortly before halftime to give England a 2-0 lead. Bukayo Saka scored the third goal in the second half to seal the game for England.

Senegal striker Boulaye Dia, looked threatening on the break after England's defence negligently gave the ball away just beyond the half-hour mark and came closest for the African team when he brought out a sharp one-handed stop from Jordan Pickford. However, Henderson calmed England's fears by stroking the ball in after Jude Bellingham had played him in at the end of a beautiful passing sequence.

The quarterfinal clash on December 11 will be a mouthwatering matchup between Gareth Southgate's team and France, who defeated Poland 3-1 earlier in the day. It will be the first-ever knockout stage meeting between the two European heavyweights at a World Cup.

(ANI)