England vs Senegal LIVE: World Cup 2022 score and result as England cruise into quarter-final against France

England set up a mouth-watering quarter-final against holders France with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Senegal which included a first goal at this World Cup from Harry Kane and virtuosos performances from Jordan Henderson, Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham.

The Three Lions initially looked sluggish against Senegal’s pacy forwards, in the two nations’ first-ever encounter, with a wonderful one-handed save by Jordan Pickford stopping Boulaye Dia from giving the African side a shock lead.

But Henderson settled England’s nerves in the 38th minute, stroking the ball home after being played in by Bellingham at the end of a lovely passing move.

Kane then struck a ferocious shot past goalkeeper Edouard Mendy with the last kick of the first half, leaving him one goal behind Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 goals for England. Bukayo Saka bagged the third with a neat chip over Mendy after a cross by Foden in the 57th minute as England’s goalfest in Qatar - 12 so far - continued.

Relive all the action from England vs Senegal with our live blog below:

England vs Senegal World Cup 2022 latest updates

• England cruise past Senegal 3-0 in the World Cup 2022 last 16 to set up a quarter-final against France

• Henderson, Kane and Saka all score in impressive win

• FULL-TIME! England 3-0 Senegal

• 57’ - GOAL! Saka neatly turns in Foden’s pinpoint cross as England cruise (ENG 3-0 SEN)

• 45+3’ - GOAL! Kane scores first goal of World Cup after good work by Bellingham and Foden (ENG 2-0 SEN)

• 42’ - CHANCE! Kane spoons Saka’s cross over the bar (ENG 1-0 SEN)

• 39’ - GOAL! Henderson finishes well from Bellingham cross (ENG 1-0 SEN)

• 31’ - SAVE! Pickford repels Dia’s effort after Saka mistake (ENG 0-0 SEN)

• 24’ - CHANCE! Maguire loses the ball but Sarr shoots over (ENG 0-0 SEN)

Harry Kane under no illusions of challenge England face against France

Sunday 4 December 2022 22:19 , Michael Jones

Captain Harry Kane is expecting a “really tough evening” when England play France in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Goals from Kane, Jordan Henderson and Bukayo Saka sealed an all-too-comfortable win over Senegal at Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday night.

Next up is the quarter-finals and a meeting with the defending champions.

After cruising through the last-16, Kane is under no illusions as to the challenge his side will face on Saturday.

Harry Kane under no illusions of challenge England face against France

France star Kylian Mbappe breaks his silence to discuss Golden Boot chances

Sunday 4 December 2022 22:15 , Michael Jones

Kylian Mbappe ended his media silence after he fired France into the quarter-finals with a brace against Poland and insisted his only objective in Qatar is to win a second consecutive World Cup.

Two curled finishes by Mbappe put the holders through and have the Paris St Germain attacker on course to win the Golden Boot with his tally for the tournament now up to five.

Mbappe also provided an assist for Olivier Giroud’s opener at Al Thumama Stadium but insisted after his side’s 3-1 victory that personal accolades are of no interest to him during the next two weeks.

France star Kylian Mbappe breaks his silence to discuss Golden Boot chances

Why England’s wide men hold the key to beating France after Senegal masterclass

Sunday 4 December 2022 22:11 , Michael Jones

A willing tool of the Fifa machine in recent years, it is tempting to write off many of the things Arsene Wenger now says. Fresh from suggesting that the teams who made political statements at this World Cup were cosmically punished by exiting it, that temptation only grew. But his eye for the game itself, the one that so expertly guided Arsenal for so many years, remains as shrewd as it ever was.

“I personally think the team with the best wide players will win this tournament,” he had said at a Fifa technical briefing earlier on Sunday. A matter of hours later, England used their world-class width to devastating effect to down Senegal and book their place in the quarter-finals.

It was the third goal of the three here that illustrated it best, Phil Foden finding Bukayo Saka to score, from one wide man to the other, the Arsenal star lifting into the middle of the goal to seal a win that was forged on the fringes.

Why England’s wide men hold the key to beating France after Senegal masterclass

England stroll into World Cup quarter-finals on night where previous sides may have buckled

Sunday 4 December 2022 22:07 , Michael Jones

England make a straight line for the quarter-finals. And then another. And another. That is perhaps the best way to describe this coruscating 3-0 win over Senegal, driven by Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, as Gareth Southgate’s side reached a third successive quarter-final in major tournaments.

It is only the third time England have managed that in history, which points to how the manager has made a virtue of navigating knock-out rounds. Harry Kane meanwhile seems to rise to them, given this was the second successive tournament where he got his first goal after the group stage.

Such a quality really shouldn’t be dismissed given the difficulty other heavyweight teams have had, not to mention previous England sides. Some of their predecessors might well have panicked under the pressure Senegal created in the opening half-hour, but it brought the opposite response out of Southgate’s players - especially Bellingham.

England stroll into quarter-finals on night where previous sides may have buckled

Reaction from Jude Bellingham

Sunday 4 December 2022 22:04 , Michael Jones

England’s Jude Bellingham, speaking to ITV Sport: “The first 35 minutes were tough. They were really compact and tough to get through.

“It was one of those games where we needed to get the first goal, we knew after we did we would be in a good position.

“[Jordan Henderson gave a] brilliant performance today. I have seen some of the rubbish said about him playing. It is ridiculous, he is so underrated technically. He delivered again in a big game with a massive goal. I think it is time he gets a bit of respect.

“We have shown we can score goals, we are clinical when it matters. And we got the clean sheet again.”

FT England 3-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 22:01 , Michael Jones

Senegal conceded three goals in a single World Cup match for only a second time, after their 3-3 draw with Uruguay in the 2002 group stage.

This was the nation’s heaviest ever major tournament defeat (World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations).

Today at the World Cup: England and France advance, Neymar gears up for return

Sunday 4 December 2022 21:58 , Michael Jones

England set up a World Cup 2022 quarter-final against defending champions France as Gareth Southgate’s men saw off Senegal 3-0, with Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka getting on the scoresheet.

Les Bleus had earlier secured their place in the next round with a 3-1 victory over Poland lit up by Kylian Mbappe, who scored two goals and set up another.

Here, the PA news agency looks at how the second day of last-16 action in Qatar unfolded.

Today at the World Cup: England and France advance, Neymar gears up for return

England vs Senegal: Best photos as Three Lions storm to quarter-finals

Sunday 4 December 2022 21:55 , Michael Jones

England secured their spot in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup with a resounding three-nil win over Senegal.

After an opening goal from veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson, captain Harry Kane scored his first goal of the tournament, all but guaranteeing a spot for the Three Lions against world champions France next weekend in Doha.

The second half started strong with a third goal coming from Bukayo Saka, tieing him on three with Marcus Rashford for England’s top goalscorer of the tournament so far.

Relive the action with the best pictures from Sunday’s win below.

England vs Senegal: Best photos as Three Lions storm to quarter-finals

Harry Kane under no illusions of challenge England face against France

Sunday 4 December 2022 21:52 , Michael Jones

Captain Harry Kane is expecting a “really tough evening” when England play France in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Goals from Kane, Jordan Henderson and Bukayo Saka sealed an all-too-comfortable win over Senegal at Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday night.

Next up is the quarter-finals and a meeting with the defending champions.

After cruising through the last-16, Kane is under no illusions as to the challenge his side will face on Saturday.

Harry Kane under no illusions of challenge England face against France

Raheem Sterling leaves England World Cup camp after armed robbers break into London home

Sunday 4 December 2022 21:49 , Michael Jones

Raheem Sterling did not feature in England’s World Cup victory against Senegal because he had returned to the UK to be with his family after his house in London was broken into by armed robbers on Saturday night.

It was revealed before kick-off that Sterling was unavailable because of a “family matter” and England manager Gareth Southgate confirmed afterwards that the forward had returned home.

Sterling was expected to return to England’s line-up for the last-16 fixture in Qatar and Southgate added that he did not know if or when the 27-year-old would return to the England camp. England face defending champions France in the quarter-finals on Saturday 10 December.

Raheem Sterling leaves England camp after armed robbers break into London home

Post-match reaction from Harry Kane

Sunday 4 December 2022 21:46 , Michael Jones

England captain, Harry Kane, spoke to ITV following the match and touched on how it feels to reach the quarter-finals and how happy he is to contribute with a goal.

“Really tough, knockout games are never easy.” said Kane, “We have shown great maturity throughout the tournament. Mentality was top from the beginning and scored three good goals. Three clean sheets in a row are really important for us too.

“I had so much time. The ball sat up nicely. The connection was perfect. I am a striker so whenever I score I am happy.

“We have a great mixture of youth and experience now. Another knockout win, over the years they have not been easy for England. We will enjoy this one but then our focus turns to that [France game]. It will be a really tough battle.”

The future is now: Jude Bellingham is making the World Cup look easy

Sunday 4 December 2022 21:43 , Michael Jones

There was a moment during the build-up to England’s second goal that you stopped and realised a 19-year-old from Stourbridge was already becoming one of the most feared midfielders in world football. Jude Bellingham had already beaten Pathé Ciss to a bouncing ball on the edge of his own box, turning a 50-50 challenge into a landslide victory, winning the ball with a downward header that cared not for the boot that might meet it. There was then the way he shrugged off Youssouf Sabaly, who engaged but then suddenly recoiled as if he had suffered a mild electric shock.

The moment in question, though, the moment that truly illustrated Bellingham’s command of this contest as the first half drew to a close, came immediately after that, when both Nampalys Mendy and Abdou Diallo were sucked into his orbit. Two-thirds of Senegal’s defence turned to face the brute force heading their way, paying no heed to either Phil Foden or Harry Kane’s runs in behind. Bellingham demanded their attention and by grabbing it, he as good as put England two up.

By that point, he had already set up the first. That was not all Bellingham like the second - there was Foden’s flicked backheel by the far touchline, then Kane’s threaded pass through the lines - but the intelligence of Bellingham’s movement and the authority of run into the inside-left channel was what really put Senegal’s defence on the back foot. A nonchalant square pass for Jordan Henderson appeared far simpler to play than it actually was, but that should be no surprise: in almost every game, Bellingham is making playing at your first World Cup look easy.

The future is now: Jude Bellingham is making the World Cup look easy

Kylian Mbappe looks unstoppable, but Poland have shown where France can be beaten

Sunday 4 December 2022 21:40 , Michael Jones

If France can go on to win the World Cup in Qatar they will make history by becoming the first reigning champion to defend their title in 60 years. Naturally, then, their title defence has in many ways come to mirror their 2018 campaign in Russia. They have gone back to the tried and trusted under Didier Deschamps: the exceptional Kylian Mbappe has renewed his partnership with Olivier Giroud, except this time both are scoring. Antoine Griezmann has been reborn, with his influence resonating around the side.

There is a key difference, however. While their performances in the group stages were more electric in Qatar than they ever were in Russia, perhaps this display in the 3-1 win over Poland was, on paper at least, a return to the safer approaches of four years ago. The opportunities Poland were able to create in an awkward first half, though, showed that there is not the same stability within the side - particularly without the presence of Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante in midfield. It is now the axis of Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot that allows Griezmann to roam forward and find space, setting up chances for Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele to attack on the wings.

But what Poland were able to do in the first half of this knockout match should create some encouragement for other World Cup contenders. Before Giroud’s opening goal, there was a 15-minute spell where Poland controlled possession and the midfield. Poland had been accused of “anti-football” as they surrendered any desire to have the ball in the 2-0 defeat to Argentina, a result that was still enough for them to qualify from the group stage. There was more ambition here, as Poland deployed a five-man midfield and committed runners forward to support Robert Lewandowski.

Kylian Mbappe looks unstoppable, but Poland have shown where France can be beaten

This is the side of the World Cup that Qatar would prefer you ignore

Sunday 4 December 2022 21:37 , Michael Jones

It is one of the regular moments of harsh reality that takes you out of the illusion that is this World Cup. As the taxi driver drops the group off, there is a sudden plea. It is not for a five-star rating.

“Can you give me a tip please?”, he asks. “I have no money to eat.”

The driver, of south Asian descent, sends almost everything he earns back to his family. This is supposed to be the long-awaited period when such workers can generate income due to the number of visitors to Qatar but here is another who is just starving.

Anyone who has been in Doha for the first week of this World Cup would have had many similar stories pass in front of their eyes. The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre said on Sunday that there had been six cases of migrant worker abuse reported in that time alone.

This is the side of the World Cup that Qatar would prefer you ignore

FT England 3-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 21:34 , Michael Jones

Who has been eliminated from World Cup 2022 and who has qualified for the knockout stage?

Sunday 4 December 2022 21:31 , Michael Jones

The 2022 World Cup is in full swing as 32 nations began on 20 November aiming to lift the Jules Rimet trophy in Doha on 18 December.

Despite the many off-field issues around the tournament in Qatar, the group stage has thrown up plenty of thrills and spills, with Argentina losing to Saudi Arabia going down as one of the greatest shocks of any World Cup in history.

Japan also stunned Germany, while Spain and England racked up goals in statement opening wins.

The top two teams from each group go through to the round of 16, with group winners taking on the runners-up from a different group, while the third- and fourth-placed nations in each group are eliminated from the competition.

Who has been eliminated from the World Cup and who has qualified for the knockouts?

Post-match reaction from Phil Foden

Sunday 4 December 2022 21:28 , Michael Jones

England’s Phil Foden, spoke to ITV following the game and spoke about the result, Jude Bellingham and the prospect of facing France: “We are going to celebrate tonight but it is knockout football now so we will have to recover and then think about the next opponent. It will be tough.

“Senegal went man to man and were very physical but it was about biding our time and keeping the ball moving more.”

“I don’t want to big him [Bellingham] up too much because he is still young but he’s one of the most gifted players I have ever seen. He has no weakness in his game. I think he will be the best midfielder in the world.

“They [France] look like the strongest in the competition up to now. We back ourselves every day and we are confident.”

FT England 3-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 21:25 , Michael Jones

England have scored 12 goals in four matches at this year’s World Cup.

That’s the Three Lions’ joint-most at a single major tournament (World Cup and Euros), level with their 12 goals at the 2018 World Cup.

FT England 3-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 21:22 , Michael Jones

All smiles from England after that impressive win.

FT England 3-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 21:18 , Michael Jones

Phil Foden (22y 190d) is the youngest player to make two assists in a World Cup knockout stage game since Ronaldo for Brazil in 1998 (21y 284d vs Denmark).

Why England’s wide men hold the key to beating France after Senegal masterclass

Sunday 4 December 2022 21:15 , Michael Jones

A willing tool of the Fifa machine in recent years, it is tempting to write off many of the things Arsene Wenger now says. Fresh from suggesting that the teams who made political statements at this World Cup were cosmically punished by exiting it, that temptation only grew. But his eye for the game itself, the one that so expertly guided Arsenal for so many years, remains as shrewd as it ever was.

“I personally think the team with the best wide players will win this tournament,” he had said at a Fifa technical briefing earlier on Sunday. A matter of hours later, England used their world-class width to devastating effect to down Senegal and book their place in the quarter-finals.

It was the third goal of the three here that illustrated it best, Phil Foden finding Bukayo Saka to score, from one wide man to the other, the Arsenal star lifting into the middle of the goal to seal a win that was forged on the fringes.

Why England’s wide men hold the key to beating France after Senegal masterclass

England stroll into World Cup quarter-finals on night where previous sides may have buckled

Sunday 4 December 2022 21:12 , Michael Jones

England make a straight line for the quarter-finals. And then another. And another. That is perhaps the best way to describe this coruscating 3-0 win over Senegal, driven by Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, as Gareth Southgate’s side reached a third successive quarter-final in major tournaments.

It is only the third time England have managed that in history, which points to how the manager has made a virtue of navigating knock-out rounds. Harry Kane meanwhile seems to rise to them, given this was the second successive tournament where he got his first goal after the group stage.

Such a quality really shouldn’t be dismissed given the difficulty other heavyweight teams have had, not to mention previous England sides. Some of their predecessors might well have panicked under the pressure Senegal created in the opening half-hour, but it brought the opposite response out of Southgate’s players - especially Bellingham.

England stroll into quarter-finals on night where previous sides may have buckled

FT England 3-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 21:09 , Michael Jones

Reaction to England’s win.

England’s route to the World Cup final: Who do Three Lions play next after beating Senegal?

Sunday 4 December 2022 21:06 , Michael Jones

Gareth Southgate’s England squad will be hoping to make it back-to-back finals in major international competitions - and this time go one step better and lift the trophy.

Four years ago the Three Lions reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup as the upturn in international fortunes began under Southgate, before they went the distance to the final at Euro 2020. Now in Qatar the objective will remain the same, to end the long wait since 1966 for success on the biggest stage.

Three matches in the group phase were safely negotiated as they topped Group B and now three further knock-out fixtures must be navigated before the trophy is up for grabs on 18 December at the 80,000-seater Lusail Stadium.

England navigated the qualifiers with ease to reach Qatar, winning eight and drawing two to finish ahead of Poland, Albania, Hungary, Andorra and San Marino. But many of those matches were merely opportunities for Southgate and his coaches to put early plans in place and get an idea of how the team can continue to be built in the pursuit of success this winter.

Here is the route England must now take to reach the World Cup final for the first time in over 50 years, and the sides they’ll face along the way.

Who do England play next after beating Senegal?

When do England play next after beating Senegal at the World Cup?

Sunday 4 December 2022 21:03 , Michael Jones

England are through to the World Cup quarter-finals after beating Senegal and will now face France in the last eight. But when are the Three Lions back in action?

When do England play next after beating Senegal at the World Cup?

England vs Senegal player ratings as Jordan Henderson inspires turnaround in World Cup last-16 win

Sunday 4 December 2022 21:00 , Michael Jones

England are through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup 2022 after thrashing Senegal in Qatar.

The Three Lions survived a couple of early scares against the African champions, with Jordan Pickford saving from Boulaye Dia and Ismaila Sarr missing the target from close range.

But the breakthrough came on the counter-attack, and from an unlikelty source as Jordan Henderson finished Jude Bellingham’s cross to give England the lead against the run of play.

From there, England grew in confidence and Harry Kane finished off another swift counter-attack to double England’s lead just before half-time with his first goal of the tournament.

Bukayo Saka added a third in the second half with a dinked finish, as England cruised into the last eigtht. Here are how the England players rated as Gareth Southgate’s side set up a quarter-final clash with France.

Here’s how the players rated for England’s last-16 victory:

Player ratings as Jordan Henderson inspires England response in World Cup last-16 win

FT England 3-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 20:56 , Michael Jones

Full-time: England 3-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 20:53 , Michael Jones

90+4 mins: England win! They’re through to the quarter-finals and set up a clash with the reigning world champions, France, which in truth will be an exceptionally close affair.

This is Gareth Southgate’s eighth knockout game as England manager and he hasn’t lost one in 90 minutes yet. England knockout the African champions and head into the next round.

England 3-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 20:51 , Michael Jones

90+2 mins: Rice gives away a needless free kick just outside England’s penalty area and Bamba Dieng is lining up a shot. He hits the set piece and smokes it straight at Eric Dier in the England wall.

Two minutes to play.

England 3-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 20:49 , Michael Jones

90 mins: Four minutes of added time to play at the end of this match.

Kane and Grealish combine to work the ball down the left wing before giving it to Shaw on the overlap. Shaw dinks the ball over to the back post where Rashford arrives and knocks a diving effort into the near side netting.

England 3-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 20:46 , Michael Jones

86 mins: Youssouf Sabaly gets forward on the left wing before whipping a cross into England’s penalty area. Jordan Pickford is out quickly and confidently plucks the ball out of the air.

Senegal have been nullified in this half. They’ve hardly created a chance on Pickford’s goal.

England 3-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 20:41 , Michael Jones

83 mins: Jordan Henderson gets a big round of applause as he heads off the pitch for England. He opened the scoring today and started the Three Lions on the trajectory to the quarter-finals.

Kalvin Phillips gets the last 10 minutes to play.

England 3-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 20:39 , Michael Jones

81 mins: Marcus Rashford brings the ball down as it comes over the ball down the right wing. He delivers the ball into a good area in the box but Harry Kane can’t reach it with a stretching lunge.

A touch from the captain there and it would have been four for England.

England 3-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 20:37 , Michael Jones

78 mins: Kalidou Koulibaly has a nibble on Harry Kane and leaves the England captain in a heap on the floor. Koulibaly goes in the book and England have a free kick.

Eric Dier and Mason Mount come on to replace John Stones and Jude Bellingham.

England 3-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 20:33 , Michael Jones

75 mins: Close! England give away a free kick about 25 yards out from goal if not slightly more than that. Pape Matar Sarr takes the set piece and drills a shot at goal.

He gets it around the wall but the ball skips through the box and lands on the outside of the side netting. Jordan Pickford had it covered too so there was no real danger of England conceding.

England 3-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 20:31 , Michael Jones

72 mins: Into the final 20 minutes now and England look to have the game sown up. The zip and verve has gone out of Senegal’s press with England seemingly able to keep the ball at will.

England 3-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 20:29 , Michael Jones

69 mins: Bukayo Saka now has three goals in this tournament for England. How many more can he get?

England 3-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 20:24 , Michael Jones

66 mins: Two substitutions from Gareth Southgate now. Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka go off with Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish introduced.

England float a free kick into the box but some shoving from Harry Maguire sees Senegal awarded a free kick of their own.

England 3-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 20:23 , Michael Jones

63 mins: Pape Gueye challenges Jordan Henderson to an aerial ball and knocks knees with the England man. Henderson goes down and needs a bit of treatment.

He’ll be fine to play on.

England 3-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 20:20 , Michael Jones

60 mins: England are in total control and have one foot into the last eight. Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford have been sent out to warm up so there’ll be a few changes soon enough.

Senegal look rocked. They’ve been bamboozled by England either side of half-time.

GOAL! England 3-0 Senegal (Saka, 57’)⚽️

Sunday 4 December 2022 20:16 , Michael Jones

57 mins: Another one! England are running rampant in this knockout match now. Luke Shaw sends the ball up to Harry Kane who turns England towards goal once again.

He threads the ball over to Phil Foden who rides a tackle before squaring the ball into the box allowing Bukayo Saka to guide it home.

England 2-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 20:15 , Michael Jones

56 mins: Close! Senegal are at sea a bit now that they’re having to chase the game. England feed the ball up to Harry Kane who spins just outside the edge of the box and shoots.

Edouard Mendy drops low and spills the ball but somehow keeps it out.

England 2-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 20:13 , Michael Jones

54 mins: Close! England look increasingly more dangerous and effective. Declan Rice steps up and wins the ball in midfield before giving it to Harry Kane.

He slips a pass into the box for Bukayo Saka who then smokes a shot over the crossbar!

England 2-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 20:09 , Michael Jones

51 mins: Youssouf Sabaly makes an overlapping run on the right wing and swings in a cross that is too far behind Bamba Dieng for him to get on the end off.

John Stones gets the ball away but it drops to Pape Sarr who blazes a snapshot wide of the right-hand post.

England 2-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 20:07 , Michael Jones

48 mins: Senegal already seem more intent with their pressing which is leaving more room in the middle of the pitch for England to utilise.

They’ll be more at ease now that they’ve got a two-goal cushion. The onus is all on Senegal to take the attack to England now.

Second half: England 2-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 20:05 , Michael Jones

England have control of the match now and just need to keep things tight and composed and a place in the quarter-finals will be theirs.

The Three Lions kick off the next 45 minutes having made no changes.

Aliou Cisse meanwhile swaps out three players at the break. Pape Gueye, Bamba Dieng and Pape Matar Sarr all come on with Iliman Ndiaye, Pathe Ciss and Krepin Diatta going off.

HT England 2-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 20:00 , Michael Jones

Harry Kane has now scored 11 goals at major tournaments for England with seven at the World Cup and four at the European Championship.

With his goal tonight Kane has overtaken Gary Linekar (10) as the Three Lions’ all-time top scorer in such competitions.

HT England 2-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 19:56 , Michael Jones

HT England 2-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 19:53 , Michael Jones

Half-time: England 2-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 19:51 , Michael Jones

45+3 mins: There goes the whistle and all the England fans with be sighing with relief. A brilliant 10 minutes to end the first half has sent the Three Lions into the break with a two-goal lead.

Can they improve on that in the second half?

GOAL! England 2-0 Senegal (Kane, 45+3’)⚽️

Sunday 4 December 2022 19:48 , Michael Jones

45+3 mins: Harry Kane gets his goal! England have their second! It’s a great counter-attack from Gareth Southgate’s men.

Jude Bellingham nicks the ball back just outside his own box before driving into midfield and working his way around three defenders before feeding the ball up to Phil Foden on the left.

Foden continues to carry the ball up the the final third and slides one over to Harry Kane who nudges it into the box and blasts a shot past Edouard Mendy to double England’s lead!

England 1-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 19:46 , Michael Jones

45 mins: Declan Rice evades a tackle inside his own half and storms down the right wing. His low cross gets turned behind and England win a corner.

Phil Foden delivers a high ball to the far side of the box where Harry Maguire is beaten to it by Kalidou Koulibaly who nods the ball clear.

Two minutes of added time to play.

England 1-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 19:42 , Michael Jones

42 mins: Chance! England change their method of attack as Jordan Pickford pings a long ball up the pitch. It’s played over to Bukayo Saka on the right wing who drives up to the edge of the box before picking out Harry Kane in the area.

The ball is slightly behind Kane but he manages to get a shot away and lifts it over the crossbar!

GOAL! England 1-0 Senegal (Henderson, 39’)⚽️

Sunday 4 December 2022 19:38 , Michael Jones

39 mins: England lead! The Three Lions defend the free kick and work the ball down the left wing. Harry Kane drops deep to recover the ball and spins towards goal.

He threads a pass into Jude Bellingham who carries the ball into the box before pulling it back to Jordan Henderson. Henderson makes his run from deep but there’s no one around as the ball comes to him and he turns it confidently into the back of the net!

England 0-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 19:37 , Michael Jones

36 mins: Foden and Bellingham try to get the ball into the box from the left but they’re forced to retreat. England then pass the ball backwards once again before slowly sending it over to Kyle Walker on the right.

He tussles with Ismaila Sarr who wins the ball and then gets pulled down by Walker for a Senegal free kick.

England 0-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 19:34 , Michael Jones

33 mins: England need to wake up. They need to move the ball quicker and actually start running around the pitch. So far they’ve been very complacent and unimaginative.

Saka’s mistake almost cost them a goal and Jordan Pickford is letting the players know that.

England 0-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 19:32 , Michael Jones

30 mins: Save! Incredible work from Jordan Pickford. England continue to dally and mess up. Bukayo Saka gives the ball away to Ismaila Sarr who flicks the ball into the box for Boulaye Dia.

Dia works it into space and shoots but Pickford sticks out a left-hand and manages to keep the ball out!

England 0-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 19:28 , Michael Jones

27 mins: It’s all too slow from England. They’re struggling to get through the Senegal press and feed the creative players higher up the pitch.

Senegal are just keeping their shape tight and waiting for the mistakes to come from the defenders trying to thread the ball through the lines.

England 0-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 19:24 , Michael Jones

24 mins: Chance! Harry Maguire gives the ball away and Senegal break into the box. The cross comes over to Boulaye Dia who is up against John Stones.

Senegal’s striker flicks the ball on and it bounces into the six-yard box off Stones’ hand. Isamaila Sarr is on hand to get to the loose ball but he lifts it over the crossbar!

That’s a warning sign for England.

England 0-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 19:21 , Michael Jones

21 mins: Close! Phil Foden swings in the corner ball for England and picks out John Stones’ run towards the near post. The ball arrives just before Stones and it hits him on the shoulder before looping high and wide of the target.

Stones is visibly disappointed with that effort.

England 0-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 19:20 , Michael Jones

18 mins: Senegal’s shape is quite good. England want to control possession but the African champions are cutting off their routes into midfield which means the Three Lions have to settle for slow, short passes around the back.

Kyle Walker slides a pass down the line and wins England a corner as the ball deflects behind off Isamila Sarr.

England 0-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 19:15 , Michael Jones

15 mins: Quality play from Harry Kane to keep the ball under control with three Senegalese players trying to nick it away from him. England’s captain manages to prod the ball over to Kyle Walker before getting brought down by Abdou Diallo.

Walker then slides a pass into the box to match a run from Bukayo Saka but he’s shoved away from the ball by Kalidou Koulibaly who marshalls it out for a goal kick.

England 0-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 19:12 , Michael Jones

12 mins: England are controlling the play and working it from side-to-side trying to create an opening in the Senegal defence to exploit.

The ball comes to Bukayo Saka who spins around Ismail Jakobs and gets in behind. Saka’s cross is lifted over to the far side but goes over Phil Foden’s head and bounces out of the penalty area.

England 0-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 19:08 , Michael Jones

9 mins: Phil Foden gets into a physical battle and wins the ball inside Senegal’s half managing to prod it up to Jude Bellingham who then gets clipped and wins a free kick.

A training ground move sees them pass the ball across to Kyle Walker who switches the play out to the left side of the box.

Declan Rice makes a late run, brings the ball under control then lifts one over to Harry Maguire who is beaten in the air allowing Senegal to clear.

England 0-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 19:06 , Michael Jones

6 mins: Nervy.

Luke Shaw’s pass to Phil Foden is intercepted on England’s left wing and a simple forward pass splits the centre-backs playing Boulaye Dia into the box.

His touch is a little heavy as John Stones and Harry Maguire descend on top of him and the ball rolls through to Jordan Pickford.

England 0-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 19:04 , Michael Jones

3 mins: Jordan Henderson receives the ball and makes a decent run through midfield before taking the ball over to the left wing and winning a throw in by sending the ball out off the legs of Nampalys Mendy.

England’s throw comes to Harry Kane on the edge of the box. He manages to turn and give it to Henderson who threads it out of play trying to put Phil Foden in behind.

Kick off: England 0-0 Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 19:01 , Michael Jones

Senegal get the match underway and thread the ball in the midfield. England try to press but the African champions play through it and work the ball out to the right wing.

It’s won by England sent into the box for Jordan Pickford who boots it clear as Boulaye Dia swoops down upon him.

England vs Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 18:55 , Michael Jones

Here come the teams.

Knockout football has arrived for England. They got through the last-16 during the last World Cup in Russia via a penalty shootout against Colombia.

Can they defeat Senegal tonight as well?

Southgate on Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 18:51 , Michael Jones

Gareth Southgate explained what he is expecting from tonight’s match versus Senegal saying: “They are very direct, they have pace, they are athletic and are well organised. They are African champions and have champions’ mentality.

“We have to play our way. We have to play to our strengths. We have shown what we are about in this tournament and we will continue that tonight.”

England vs Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 18:48 , Michael Jones

How will England fare tonight? Can they defeat Senegal, avoid penalties and set up a clash with France in the last eight?

Senegal must be prepared for ‘completely different’ World Cup knockout stages, says boss Aliou Cisse

Sunday 4 December 2022 18:45 , Michael Jones

Senegal coach Aliou Cisse knows his side must be prepared for a totally different type of football after securing their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup 2022 with a 2-1 victory over Ecuador.

The Africa Cup of Nations champions – without injured star forward Sadio Mane – needed to win to make it through from Group A, while a draw would have been good enough for Ecuador.

After seeing Watford forward Ismaila Sarr put Senegal in front from a penalty at the end of the first half, Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo pulled the South Americans level.

Senegal must be prepared for ‘completely different’ knockout stages, says boss Cisse

Raheem Sterling misses England World Cup match with Senegal with ‘family matter’

Sunday 4 December 2022 18:42 , Michael Jones

Raheem Sterling was unavailable for England’s World Cup last-16 clash against Senegal as Bukayo Saka replaced Marcus Rashford in the starting lineup.

The return of Saka in place of three-goal leading scorer Rashford was the only change Gareth Southgate made for the tie at Al Bayt Stadium.

Saka, who netted a brace in England’s opening 6-2 win over Iran, was rested for the final Group B game against Wales, where Rashford also scored twice in a 3-0 victory.

But England boss Southgate opted to recall the Arsenal man for the first knockout stage, with Phil Foden and Jordan Henderson retaining their places in the side.

Sterling will take no part in the match, however.

Raheem Sterling misses England World Cup match with Senegal with ‘family matter’

England vs Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 18:39 , Michael Jones

Senegal have reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the second time, previously doing so in their first appearance in 2002 (quarter-final).

Courtesy of beating Qatar and Ecuador in the group stages, Senegal have won consecutive World Cup matches for the first time.

Will they make it three from three?

England ‘mentally and physically’ prepared for penalties, Gareth Southgate insists

Sunday 4 December 2022 18:36 , Michael Jones

Gareth Southgate says his team are mentally and physically ready for another penalty shoot-out – and he would not hesitate to ask Marcus Rashford or Bukayo Saka to take a spot-kick at the World Cup.

The national team’s penalty problems down the years are well documented, with all three World Cup shoot-outs ending in defeat before a success at the expense of Colombia in Russia four years ago.

England followed that by winning bronze on spot-kicks at the Nations League finals against Switzerland in 2019, only for penalties to prove their undoing in last year’s European Championship final.

England ‘mentally and physically’ prepared for penalties, Gareth Southgate insists

John Stones speaking to ITV

Sunday 4 December 2022 18:33 , Michael Jones

England defender John Stones’ pre-match thoughts: “We’ve seen how important everyone has been coming off the bench or starting.

“We’ve got great attackers so whoever starts, hopefully they can bring that to the game.

“The counter attack is a challenge from Senegal. They are a very organised and athletic team, from what we have seen. We’ve got to be disciplined for the 90 or 120 minutes, whatever it may be and keep the ball high up the pitch.”

England vs Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 18:30 , Michael Jones

African nations have lost eight of their nine World Cup knockout round games against European sides, with the exception being Senegal’s 2-1 win over Sweden in the round of 16 in 2002.

However, in all competitions, England have never lost against an African side in their history with 14 wins and six draws.

Pre-match thoughts of Gareth Southgate

Sunday 4 December 2022 18:27 , Michael Jones

England boss Gareth Southgate spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live in the build-up to today’s match saying: “We are two tournaments on from when we played Colombia at this stage in Moscow. I think our level of experience is better, our level of ambition is different.

“When we qualified from our group stage in Russia, we were probably celebrating quite a bit. This time was a great evening for our fans and we enjoyed the win, but we were already thinking of the next game.

“We know the focus has to be on this one game, nothing else.

“We are aiming to win the game and avoid extra time and penalties, but if we need to go 120 minutes or beyond that we have to be ready for that mentally and physically and I believe we are.”

Can England reach the quarter-finals?

Sunday 4 December 2022 18:24 , Michael Jones

England are looking to reach the quarter-final in consecutive editions of the World Cup for the first time since 2002 and 2006.

The Three Lions have been eliminated from just two of their seven round of 16 ties at the tournament, doing so against Germany in 2010 (1-4) and via penalty shootout against Argentina in 1998.

England vs Senegal referee: Who is World Cup 2022 official Ivan Barton?

Sunday 4 December 2022 18:21 , Michael Jones

Referee Ivan Barton is in charge of England’s last-16 clash with Senegal at the World Cup.

The 31-year-old referee from El Salvador is making his first appearance at a World Cup and has officiated two matches so far in Qatar: Japan’s shock victory over Germany and Brazil’s 1-0 win against Switzerland.

Barton has been a Fifa listed referee since 2018 and has previously officiated in Concacaf qualifiers, as well as in the El Salvador domestic league.

At 31 years old, Barton is younger than England players Kyle Walker, Jordan Henderson and Kieran Trippier.

Who is the referee of England vs Senegal at the World Cup?

Keown confident England can beat Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 18:18 , Michael Jones

Former England and Arsenal star Martin Keown is confident that England can get the job done against Senegal tonight and says that the absence of Sadio Mane is a huge blow to the African champions.

“Senegal are used to winning. They are coming with no Sadio Mane, which is a big blow, but they’ve managed that well.” said Keown

“Kalidou Koulibaly played really well in their last game, but he has got weaknesses as well. We shouldn’t be lumping balls into the box, we should exploit the space around him.

“I am confident that England have the tools to beat Senegal. We just need to prove it on the pitch now. We need to be confident but not arrogant.

“There is a balance because any opponent you have to respect but you have to, deep down, feel you can beat.”

England vs Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 18:15 , Michael Jones

The Lions of Teranga have brought a lot of passionate fans to each of their group stage matches and tonight is no different. The African champions seem up for this game tonight and they have the ability to cause an upset against England.

England vs African opposition

Sunday 4 December 2022 18:11 , Michael Jones

England have never lost in seven previous World Cup matches against African opposition with four wins and three draws.

Their only previous such game in the knockout stage came against Cameroon in the 1990 quarter-final where they won 3-2 after extra time, with their goals coming from David Platt and two Gary Lineker penalties.

Gareth Southgate embracing expectations as England ready for Senegal clash

Sunday 4 December 2022 18:07 , Michael Jones

Gareth Southgate is embracing the increased expectations, selection headaches and chance to put smiles on supporters’ faces at a challenging time as England face Senegal in the World Cup last-16.

All eyes will be on cavernous Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday evening as the Group B winners play their first knockout match on the world stage since the agonising extra-time semi-final loss to Croatia in 2018.

England built on that performance by winning bronze at the following year’s Nations League before going on a memorable run to last year’s European Championship final at Wembley.

Gareth Southgate embracing expectations as England ready for Senegal clash

Foden ready to take England chance

Sunday 4 December 2022 18:03 , Michael Jones

Manchester City star Phil Foden says that he is ready to take his chance when England play Senegal in the World Cup last-16 tonight.

Speaking about his international career so far Foden told the BBC: “It has been up and down, [I am] disappointed not to start more games but it is part of the tournament. I am a team player and when I get the opportunities I’ll take them.”

Foden has scored nine goals and assisted twice in 22 appearances for his club and country this season and was a pivotal part of England’s victory over Wales last time out.

What to expect from England vs Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 17:58 , Michael Jones

England and Senegal will clash at Al Bayt Stadium at the Qatar World Cup, with a quarter-final place at stake.

A first meeting for the two sides - with Senegal having edged out Ecuador and Gareth Southgate’s side having eased past Wales to round of their group stage.

Other than Ben White who has flown home due to personal reasons, Southgate has a fully fit squad to choose from. There’s no shortage of selection dilemmas though, with Jordan Henderson, Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden pushing to retain their places over Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka.

Senegal line-up

Sunday 4 December 2022 17:53 , Michael Jones

There is just change to the Senegal side who beat Ecuador last time out. Idrissa Gueye is out through suspension so Krepin Diatta comes in.

Senegal XI: E Mendy, Sabaly, Koulibaly, Diallo, Jakobs, Sarr, Ciss, N Mendy, Diatta, Ndiaye, Dia

Will Aliou Cisse make the game?

Sunday 4 December 2022 17:51 , Michael Jones

Senegal’s biggest issue may be the welfare of boss Aliou Cisse, who missed Saturday’s media duties through illness. Assistant coach Regis Bogaert replaced Cisse at the news conference and explained the situation saying:

"He has been sick for a couple of days now. He let us take charge of training yesterday, obviously with his instructions to the players.

"Hopefully tomorrow he will be able to come and be on the bench with the players but we are sure at 10pm he will be there with the team.

"I can confirm he is sick and has a bit of a temperature, that is why we have to be careful with his situation."

Southgate makes one change

Sunday 4 December 2022 17:48 , Michael Jones

Gareth Southgate has made just the one change to the England starting XI from the team that defeated Wales last time out. Marcus Rashford - who scored twice during that match - is dropped to the bench with Bukayo Saka coming in to replace him.

Bukayo Saka starts for England against Senegal as Marcus Rashford drops out

Sunday 4 December 2022 17:46 , Michael Jones

Gareth Southgate has restored Bukayo Saka to his England team for the World Cup last-16 tie with Senegal.

The Arsenal winger, who scored twice in the 6-2 opening win over Iran, was left out for the final game of Group B, a 3-0 victory over Wales, last time out.

But with a place in the quarter-finals against France at stake, Southgate has opted to recall him.

Marcus Rashford, who scored twice against Wales, drops back down to the bench.

Bukayo Saka starts for England against Senegal as Marcus Rashford drops out

England line-up

Sunday 4 December 2022 17:45 , Michael Jones

England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham, Henderson; Saka, Kane, Foden

Who would Three Lions play next if they beat Senegal?

Sunday 4 December 2022 17:43 , Michael Jones

Gareth Southgate’s England squad will be hoping to make it back-to-back finals in major international competitions later this year - and this time go one step better and lift the trophy.

Four years ago the Three Lions reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup as the upturn in international fortunes began under Southgate, before they went the distance to the final at Euro 2020. Now in Qatar the objective will remain the same, to end the long wait since 1966 for success on the biggest stage.

Three matches in the group phase and then three further knock-out fixtures must be navigated at the finals before the trophy is up for grabs on 18 December at the 80,000-seater Lusail Stadium.

England navigated the qualifiers with ease to reach Qatar, winning eight and drawing two to finish ahead of Poland, Albania, Hungary, Andorra and San Marino. But many of those matches were merely opportunities for Southgate and his coaches to put early plans in place and get an idea of how the team can continue to be built in the pursuit of success this winter.

Here is the route England must now take to reach the World Cup final for the first time in over 50 years, and the sides they’ll face along the way.

When is England’s next match if they beat Senegal?

Southgate not worried about ‘favourites’ tag

Sunday 4 December 2022 17:38 , Michael Jones

England go into this game as the favourites to progress to the quarter-finals despite them taking on the African champions Senegal but the added expectation on the Three Lions isn’t something that is worrying manager Gareth Southgate.

“We will be considered favourites,” Southgate said. “But that doesn’t really mean anything in a one-off game,

“It doesn’t mean there isn’t any pressure for Senegal because every international team has great pressure in their own nation and externally as well.”

Sterling not available for England

Sunday 4 December 2022 17:35 , Michael Jones

News is filtering through that Raheem Sterling won’t be available to feature for England this evening as he is dealing with a personal family matter.

His absence is a big loss for the Three Lions but they have plenty of attacking talent in the squad to compensate.

Rashford to start on the bench for England?

Sunday 4 December 2022 17:31 , Michael Jones

England are taking on Senegal for the first time ever in competitive football with a quarter-final place against France on the line.

The team news is expected out shortly with rumours circulating that Gareth Southgate is going to leave Marcus Rashford on the bench.

Rashford is England’s leading goalscorer having scored three goals so far in the competition.

The problem with England’s greatest strength? Senegal also have it

Sunday 4 December 2022 17:26 , Michael Jones

Almost every night throughout this World Cup, the England squad have gathered together in a huge TV room, to watch the games and discuss what they see. They don’t sit in cliques but rather as one big group, Jack Grealish often bouncing around between people. It has struck staff how so few ever spend time sitting in their rooms on the PlayStations and instead spend time together.

Brazil have most stood out for the players, and the general feeling is that if England are to actually win this World Cup then they will have to defeat Tite’s side. The squad had taken note of Senegal even before it was confirmed they would meet in the last 16, and their quality has been noted. England are expecting a robust challenge.

“We’ve all been watching every game so we have a slight understanding between us players of what they’re like, and I think they’ll be very athletic,” Jordan Henderson says. “Good players as well, and I think they’re quite high on confidence as a team, as they won the Africa Cup of Nations. They are used to winning.”

The problem with England’s greatest strength? Senegal also have it

Harry Kane insists he can hit form for England at right time in knockouts

Sunday 4 December 2022 17:21 , Michael Jones

England skipper Harry Kane is aiming to peak in time for the business end of World Cup 2022 having failed to score during the group stage.

The Tottenham Hotspur striker is just two goals away from equalling Wayne Rooney’s all-time national record but has yet to hit the back of the net in Qatar as he and his team-mates prepare to face Senegal in the last 16.

“I would love to be sitting here with two or three goals now, but I think the group stage has gone well,” Kane said, insisting he feels “fit and sharp”.

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 17:16 , Jamie Braidwood

The case for Bukayo Saka

Saka is another who, despite not featuring against Wales, has done nothing to deserve losing his place.

Two goals against Iran make him second only to Rashford among the squad for goals at this World Cup and, as a left-footed player comfortable with playing off the right, he is arguably the only option that fits Southgate’s preferred profile in that position. That helped the Arsenal winger get the nod over Foden for England’s two opening games.

His diligent work out of possession is another plus, especially given that Senegal’s attack will flow through left-winger Ismaila Sarr. If Southgate decides against risking Kyle Walker’s fitness up against Sarr and instead selects Kieran Trippier, Saka would offer added security over Foden or Rashford.

Saka’s only problem is that he is not Foden or Rashford, in that he would not be coming into the game off the back of a goalscoring performance. Again, it depends on how much stock Southgate puts on that second-half performance against Wales. He has not been a manager swayed by his team’s most recent showing in the past.

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 17:07 , Jamie Braidwood

The case for Phil Foden

The clamour for Foden to start reached fever pitch after the goalless draw with the United States. Southgate was always likely to rotate against Wales anyway but Foden got his start and got his goal – only the third of his international career, his first since a brace on his debut. As with Rashford, Southgate will need his reasons if the Manchester City youngster’s spell in the starting line-up is only a short one.

If there is a case against Foden, it is that he has rarely looked comfortable cutting inside from the right wing, a position that he only seldom plays at City. Foden himself admitted at the start of this tournament that England have seen nothing like the best of him. If he needs to play on the left of the attacking three in order to produce, he faces competition from both Sterling and Rashford.

Of all Southgate’s attacking options, Foden has the greatest versatility to drop into midfield and sees himself playing in that position one day. Yet Southgate is reluctant to start him there, agreeing with Pep Guardiola that there are elements of his game out of possession that have to improve before he can be consistently relied upon in a more central role.

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 16:57 , Jamie Braidwood

The case for Marcus Rashford

Three goals in just 108 minutes at this World Cup is as good an argument as any for Rashford to start. The Manchester United forward is England’s in-form player after his match-winning display against Wales and, having rebuilt his international career after nearly 18 months of exile, Southgate will need a convincing argument to send Rashford back on the substitutes bench against Senegal.

The biggest question mark over Rashford is whether Sunday’s last-16 clash will suit his style of play. The 25-year-old was struggling to make an impact in England’s final group outing until his spectacular free kick changed the pattern of the game, forcing Wales up the pitch and creating the space in behind in which he can thrive. Rashford is at his best when a game is stretched.

As Sterling’s main rival for the left-wing role, Southgate may decide not only to count on the Chelsea winger’s greater experience but also his superior link-up play and ability to play through low blocks. It would be harsh on a player who could not have done more to retain his spot in the line-up. Rashford might have to hope that his goals are compelling enough a reason to keep his spot.

World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal

Sunday 4 December 2022 16:47 , Jamie Braidwood

The case for starting Raheem Sterling

For the most part during Southgate’s reign, it has been Sterling and Kane in the attack plus one other. Together, the pair are responsible for a third of the goals scored under Southgate and theirs is a symbiotic relationship. Sterling’s seven assists for Kane is the most any England player has provided for another this century. Kane – increasingly more of a creator – returned the favour against Iran, setting up Sterling for England’s second.

Whenever Sterling’s importance to England is questioned, he seems to serve up a reminder of why he has consistently held down a starting place. At Euro 2020, as momentum was building behind the other attacking options at Southgate’s disposal, he was England’s outstanding performer and one of the players of the tournament. Sterling has already scored at this World Cup from a game and a half’s worth of minutes. That’s hardly just cause to be dropped.

Yet that goal against Iran was only his second in 15 games for club and country. There are caveats to his lack of form – his change of club, the club’s change of manager and sometimes a change of position to left wing-back under Graham Potter – and it is nothing that Sterling has not come through before. Southgate’s faith in Sterling is total as one of the leading figures of his time in charge but a recent lack of consistency in front of goal weakens his case to start.

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website