England will meet France in the World Cup Quarter-Finals on Saturday after an impressive demolition of Senegal at Al Bayt Stadium. Gareth Southgate's side survived a nervy opening in which goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made an outstanding save from Boulaye Dia to run out convincing winners with a powerful display of attacking strength. Jude Bellingham was England's star man, setting up the first goal for Jordan Henderson with a perfect cross after thirty eight minutes then having a hand in the second on the stroke of half-time, combining with Phil Foden as captain Harry Kane powered home his first of the tournament. It left Kane just one behind Wayne Rooney's all-time record of fifty three England goals and he now has the perfect stage here in Qatar to write a fresh page in the history books. Foden was the creator once more as England wrapped the game up in the fifty seventh minute, crossing for Bukayo Saka to show great awareness and touch to flick a delicate finish past Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. It capped the perfect night for coach Southgate, who opted to restore Saka and keep faith with Foden, leaving out Marcus Rashford despite his two goals in the win over Wales. Raheem Sterling was not considered as he dealt with 'a family matter.'
With twenty minutes to go and England's winning three-nil, this blogger was absolutely burstin' for a wee-wee. But, he was too nervous to leave The Stately Telly Topping Manor Plague House armchair and go to the lavvy in case England concede four goals whilst he was away. Stranger things have happened. Despite the potential damage to his kidneys, he held on till the final whistle. The relief was immense (and, this blogger isn't talking about the result).
