Xuenou > Popular > Four things Gareth Southgate got right as England cruise past Senegal to book France test
Four things Gareth Southgate got right as England cruise past Senegal to book France test
Four things Gareth Southgate got right as England cruise past Senegal to book France test,Gareth Southgate's England stars eased past Senegal to book a bumper quarter-final test against France - with the Three Lions boss nailing the big decisions on the pitch

Four things Gareth Southgate got right as England cruise past Senegal to book France test

Gareth Southgate once again proved his doubters wrong as England's stars rode an early storm to beat Senegal 3-0 in the World Cup round of 16.

The Three Lions are safely through to a quarter-final against France with Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka all on the scoresheet with Jude Bellingham the star of the show.

Daily Star Sport have taken a look at four things Southgate nailed as England cruised past the tricky encounter against the Africa Cup of Nations champions who many had tipped to put up a far sterner test than they could muster.

READ MORE: Fans swoon over Jude Bellingham's wonderful performance for England against Senegal

World Cup News Pool (WCNP) - England vs Senegal.
Gareth Southgate's England made easy work of Senegal in Qatar (Image: World Cup News Pool (WCNP) – England vs Senegal)

Jordan Henderson vital

Southgate stuck by the composed presence of Jordan Henderson despite criticism from some supporters who felt as though Rice and Bellingham were enough in the middle.

The Liverpool skipper, a Premier League and Champions League winner, was one of 10 players who kept their spots and had an important role to play.

AL KHOR, QATAR - DECEMBER 04: Jordan Henderson of England celebrates as he scores the goal with Jude Bellingham of England during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between England and Senegal at Al Bayt Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar.
Jordan Henderson proved his doubters wrong – and even found the net (Image: Corbis via Getty Images)

As well as using his leadership skills to aid his younger colleagues, Henderson slotted home a vital opening goal to repay the faith of his manager.

Who do you think was England's best player in the convincing victory? Tell us in the comments section below

Bukayo Saka faith

TOPSHOT - England's forward #17 Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the Qatar 2022
Some wanted Marcus Rashford to start – but Bukayo Saka was again on fire for England (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Marcus Rashford was dropped to the bench despite his two-goal cameo against Wales, but looked certain to play a key substitute role with Raheem Sterling absent for family reasons.

The in-form Manchester United forward was looking to boost his already impressive tournament tally of three goals, having also netted against Iran in the opener, but had to try from the bench.

That gave Bukayo Saka his chance to again prove his ability, as he did by grabbing England's third to justify his own inclusion from the start.

Kyle Walker risk

AL KHOR, QATAR - DECEMBER 04: Kyle Walker of England during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between England and Senegal at Al Bayt Stadium on December 4, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar.
Kyle Walker got another game in the legs before his showdown with Kylian Mbappe (Image: Getty Images)

Kyle Walker kept his place in the starting XI despite Kieran Trippier being a favourite of Gareth Southgate and starting the opening two fixtures.

Gary Lineker was one to suggest that Walker should be rested with a view to his potential battle with Kylian Mbappe down the line, but the Manchester City man got more valuable minutes in the bank before that exciting showdown.

That test could well be the story of the game during the December 10 tie, which is sure to captivate.

Harry Kane's delight

TOPSHOT - England's forward #09 Harry Kane celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup round of 16 football match between England and Senegal
Harry Kane was back where he belongs – on the scoresheet for England (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

While Southgate was never going to drop his star striker, his constant faith in the forward came good as he smashed home a second goal before the break.

That will no doubt give the Spurs hero a huge confidence boost going into the biggest game of the tournament so far against France, with Southgate ignoring one wild claim that Kane should've been dropped from the XI.

The goal will give the 29-year-old a fine platform to look for another against the next opponents, when he faces club mate Hugo Lloris.

READ NEXT:

  • Gareth Southgate breaks silence on Raheem Sterling's departure from England World Cup squad

  • Kylian Mbappe sends shivers down England fans' spines with spectacular World Cup showing

  • El Hadji Diouf's bulked-up look stuns fans as he watches England vs Senegal at World Cup