Ryan Baldi | England v Senegal: Three things we learned

ENGLAND’s 3-0 win over Senegal on Sunday evening saw the 2022 World Cup’s highest scorers set up a quarter-final date with the reigning champions, France.

It wasn’t always as straightforward as the eventual scoreline suggests. England laboured at times in the first half, troubled by a studious Senegalese press.

But Jordan Henderson’s opening goal settled English nerves. Harry Kane notched his first goal of the tournament with the last kick before half-time and Bukayo Saka rounded off the scoring, dinking Phil Foden’s left-wing centre into the net in the 57^th minute.

Here are three things we learned.

Bellingham Sets the Tone

Despite England taking a 2-0 lead into the break, there was only one man in white who matched the intensity of the Senegalese players for much of the first period – Jude Bellingham. And it was the magnificent Borussia Dortmund midfielder who transformed what was shaping up to be a sloppy and frustrating game for Gareth Southgate’s side.

By half-time, Bellingham had won more aerial duels than any England player and led his team in successful dribbles, chances created and tackles made.

Senegal’s pressing harried England into coughing up possession in dangerous areas multiple times early on, and the Three Lions looked meek and a step behind their opponents.

Not Bellingham. His indefatigable performance was epitomised by a moment in the first half that saw him press and hassle Kalidou Koulibaly high on England’s left flank, making the Chelsea centre-back uncomfortable and panicked. Bellingham then waved his arms, imploring the England fans in attendance to make themselves heard and, no doubt, the England players to liven up.

And so it was no surprise that Bellingham was the architect of England’s breakthrough. His driving, bustling run down the left was capped with a perfect left-footed cut-back to find Henderson streaking into the penalty area. The Liverpool captain slotted the opening goal beyond Edouard Mendy.

Goal: Harry Kane makes it 2-0 to England vs Senegal. pic.twitter.com/EnhVlIxOrZ

— FT90Extra ⚽ (@FT90Extra) December 4, 2022

Bellingham’s fine first half wasn’t done. In stoppage time, it was again the 19-year-old who was driving England forward, cutting through the Senegalese midfield single-handedly before laying off to Foden, who squared for Kane to rifle in his first goal of the 2022 World Cup.

Expectations were high before the tournament, but Bellingham has, thus far, exceeded them all. He is England’s best player.

Old Head Hendo Shines

One of the overriding characteristics of this England side is their youth. Southgate’s is a squad stocked with youthful talent and prime-age stars. But against Senegal, the Three Lions manager turned to one of his few elder statesmen to marshal midfield, and it was a decision that paid dividends.

He is the second-oldest player in the squad – Kyle Walker is his elder by just 20 days – but Henderson outran Father Time with an all-action display at Al Bayt stadium.

The 32-year-old partnered Declan Rice in central midfield, keeping his place after starting in the previous match, a top-spot-clinching group-stage victory over Wales. With the ballast and conservatism of his play in his own half, Henderson’s presence afforded greater freedom for Bellingham to roam higher up the pitch.

And Henderson picked his moments to roam, too, not least for the game’s first goal, which saw him burst into the penalty area to calmly side-foot his third international goal in 73 caps. He also cropped up at times high on either flank, making crosses and, at one stage, even overlapping Saka on the right wing.

It was a performance that saw the veteran Premier League winner draw on all his experience while also showing there’s plenty of life left in his legs.

France Won’t Do England the Same Favours

Overall, it was another impressive outing for England. They conceded few clear-cut chances while looking threatening in attack and demonstrating an ability to craft goals from several areas of the side.

But the first 30-plus minutes didn’t make for comfortable viewing for England supporters. There was a lack of intensity to England’s play and a sloppiness in possession that, against France in the quarter-finals, will be punished much more ruthlessness.

Kylian Mbappé has now 8 goals in two World Cup editions, he’s still 23 — and he also added one more assist today. ⭐️🇫🇷 #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/FyOlVqz5nv

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 4, 2022

England lost possession when trying play out from the back on numerous occasions in the first half, with Harry Maguire twice guilty. And this laxness on the ball led to two fanciable sights at goal for Senegal. One saw Ismaila Sarr fire over from close range, the other called on Jordan Pickford to make a fine, strong-handed stop to deny Boulaye Dia.

Kylian Mbappe will not be so sparing.