Harry Kane hails England’s ‘mentality’ as they ease through Senegal test to reach World Cup quarter-finals

Harry Kane hailed England’s composure on the biggest stage as they cruised past Senegal to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

After a slow start at the Al Bayt Stadium, the Three Lions clicked into gear before the break as Jordan Henderson swept home after great work from Jude Bellingham, before Kane fired past Edouard Mendy for his first goal of the tournament.

Bukayo Saka made sure of the result early in the second-half to ensure it would not turn into a nervy night, and attention now turns to a last-eight clash with defending champions France next weekened.

England went 12 years without a knockout win before their run to the semi-finals in 2018, and Kane believes the current squad have what it takes to go deep again.

“Knockout games are never easy, we’ve shown great maturity through the tournament,” the England captain told ITV.

“3-0 against a really good side, credit to the boys. The mentality was top from the beginning and we took our chances when they came.”

He added: “It’s another knockout win, over the years it’s not been easy for England. To win 3-0 is a really great night.”

England v Senegal FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar | Round of 16 | 4th December 2022

Kane won the Golden Boot four years ago but has been made to wait for his first goal in Qatar, even if he had been contributing with his all-round game regardless of not being on the scoresheet.

He finally got off the mark for the tournament with the last kick of the first-half, as Foden played it into his path and the England captain provided the finishing touch to a ruthless counter-attack.

“I had so much time, the ball set up nicely and the connection was perfect,” Kane said.

“I had one just before that that I should have done better with, so it was nice to see that one go in.

“I’m a striker so whenever I score I’m happy.”