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England sink Senegal to set up clash with France

England cruised to the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after defeating African champions Senegal 3-0 on Sunday evening.

The Three Lions made only change to the side that thrashed Wales, as Bukayo Saka was recalled and joined Phil Foden and Harry Kane at the expense of Marcus Rashford.

The Lions of Teranga, meanwhile, were without star midfielder Idrissa Gueye, who was suspended after get his second booking in a win over Ecuador.

Read: Clinical Mbappe steers France to World Cup quarters

Gareth Southgate's charges imposed themselves upfront from the off but they could not translate their dominance into goal-scoring opportunities.

Senegal had clearer openings on counter-attacks midway through the first stanza as Ismaila Sarr blasted a big chance over the top from a late run at the back post and five minutes later, Boulaye Dia forced an out-stretched save from goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

However, England broke the deadlock with seven minutes left of the first stanza from a break attack after Jordan Henderson finished off a cutback by Jude Bellingham with a low shot in the box.

Aliou Cisse's men were eager to get an immediate reply but were picked off on another counter-attack on the stroke of halftime after Kane finally opened his account at the tournament and doubled the lead for England with a cracking strike unmarked from an offload by Foden.

Southgate's men were on the front foot early in the second stanza and Saka eventually put the game to bed shortly before the hour-mark with a chipped effort past goalkeeper Edouard Mendy at the near post after a cross by Foden on the byline.

The Three Lions kept Senegal on their toes with a double change in the last 25 minutes, as Rashford and Jack Grealish both entered the fray in places of Saka and Foden.

The Lions of Teranga had a chance to revive their hopes with 16 minutes left from a free-kick just out of the box as Pape Sarr came close with a low powerful drive that hit the side-netting.

England had more threats to run riot than Senegal making something of the game, as they comfortably secured passage to the quarter-finals and set-up a meeting against reigning champions France. 

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