England qualify for World Cup quarter-final after thrashing Senegal

Jordan Henderson pointed to him as he celebrated England’s opener.

He wanted to ensure the crowd knew who was the real hero here. But anyone with a pair of eyes could see Jude Bellingham was the star of the show as he inspired the Three Lions to roar past Senegal.

Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka got the goals but the Borussia Dortmund midfielder was the catalyst for England to secure a World Cup quarter-final place. Next up France.

READ MORE: England fans ‘apologise to Birmingham’ for mocking them retiring Jude Bellingham’s number

This was a performance some of the all-time great midfielders would be proud of. The fact Bellingham delivered it at just 19 in a World Cup last 16 clash only added to the absurdity of how good it was.

It was his pass which teed up Henderson to break the deadlock and snap England out of what had been a pedestrian first 38 minutes. He had the ingenuity to make the run into space so Kane, who had played like a No 10, could find him.

Bellingham may get the assist stat for the opener but he was even more crucial to the second. It was the former Birmingham City man who won possession deep in his own half, broke through before getting the timing of the pass to Phil Foden spot on.

Foden then found Kane, who showed fine composure to get his first goal in this World Cup in first half stoppage time. He’s now just one shy of Wayne Rooney’s all-time England record as he overtook Gary Lineker for most goals at major tournaments.

Saka’s goal was thanks to the brilliance of Foden down the left, as the Manchester City attacker gave Bellingham a run for his money in the performance stakes.

Foden was brilliant as he slalomed down the flank before delivering a delightful cross for Saka to divert home and the Africa Cup of Nations champions were dealt with before the hour mark. The night still belonged to the Stourbridge man.

Bellingham wears the No 22 because a coach once told him he should learn to play the No 4, No 8 and No 10 roles to become the complete midfielder. He’s well on his way to that, if he’s not there already.

England needed something here, someone had to step up and take the game by the scruff of the neck. That man was Bellingham. Senegal had a couple of chances before he did. Maybe if they took them it could have been a different night.

In the end, Gareth Southgate’s side cruised through. They’ve scored 12 goals in four games with three clean sheets but will need to start better against the French than they did here.

Ismaila Sarr gave Kyle Walker problems early on and he should have done better when he got to the ball just six yards out but lashed over.
Boulaye Dia had his attempt blocked by John Stones in the build up.

The sound of the drums from the Senegal fans continually echoed around the Al-Bayt Stadium but their team would soon lose their rhythm.

Bellingham inspired but without the save from Jordan Pickford just after the half hour mark he may not have had the platform to shine. The Everton keeper got a strong arm to a powerful strike from Dia.

There were worries in the crowd that England may have let this game get away from them. Then Bellingham ensured it didn’t.

Another few million added to his price tag. It could be a telephone number by the end of this World Cup.

READ NEXT: