Poland

England lose Raheem Sterling but beat Senegal to set up clash with France

04-Dec-2022 23:06:58 | Guardian

• Gareth Southgate hails ‘phenomenal progress’ of team
• Phil Foden: ‘I don’t see a weakness in Bellingham’s game’

In a World Cup that has teased and confounded expectations, England march mercilessly on. A familiar blend of the Stakhanovite and the sublime saw off Senegal, the champions of Africa. Now France, the reigning world champions, await in the quarter-finals next Saturday – along with the world’s most thrilling player, Kylian Mbappé.

England will be underdogs there, for sure. But the ruthlessness and efficiency of this 3-0 victory against Senegal, and the way they emerged from a sticky start to dominate, has laid down a significant marker.