After topping our group and winning two out of a possible three matches, we progressed into the last 16 where we met Senegal. They had also won two out of three, and every England fan that I encountered said that this was going to be a struggle for us. I did not see it as a tough game and I knew that we would vanquish them with no problems. They are a good team but I think that how well we have played so far we would shred through them.
The starting eleven for us was very strong but I was very surprised to see Henderson start, again, after that shocking performance in our last match. The squad was made up of: Pickford (in goal); Walker; Stones; maguire; Shaw (as the back four - also unchanged); Henderson; Rice; Bellingham (in the middle); Kane; Foden and Saka (as the front three). Only one change to the squad, and Sterling was unavailable due to a family issue.
In the first period, I thought that for the first 30 minutes the fans that I met were right about us struggling; Senegal had full control of the game, and they were breaking through our defence like it was made of straw. This is when I started to worry as we seemed to be wrestling to keep them away from our net. Full pressure was put on our defence and at any moment we were going to shatter; however, we remained calm and tackled the dilemma well and, eventually, we settled into the match and in the 38th minute we had a threatening counterattack of our own. Four quick passes and we were on the score sheet. Shaw passed it to Foden, who flicked it on to Kane, who then kicked it to Bellingham, where he then dashes to the edge of the box to whip the ball into the area where Henderson awaited to fire the ball into the net. I know I said that Henderson was useless but he has now proven me wrong and he was good throughout the game. It was great to get that goal as everyone was vital at this stage. We carried on to dominate the game and it was not long after until we increased our advantage. A poor clearance was made by Senegal resulting in a loose ball. Bellingham took the ball and threaded it through to Foden who set it up nicely for Kane to smash into the back of the net. To get two goals in the first half was amazing to see and it showed us that we were here to get the job done and we should be feared. After a shaky start, I was comfortable going into the second half and there were no issues to comment upon.
Halftime and we led 2-0.
Both teams came onto the pitch unchanged and I was ready for England to go on a rampage. It was not quite like that, though, and I was fairly disappointed with how we played compared with the first half.
In the second period, it started off well and we regained control. It was not long after restart that we took away any hope from Senegal. Foden made a lightning speed run on the left side of the pitch where he was able to dribble past, easily, the opponent’s defence. He then had time to get his cross in, where it landed perfectly for Saka to get his third goal in this competition. It was an amazing feeling to be that far ahead in a game that matters, and I think we all knew at this point that we were through with no difficulties. After this goal, we started to do what most teams have been doing so far in this tournament: dropping off whenever you go in front. It was not a major issue as we had a three goal cushion but when we play big teams like Fance, Spain or Brazil then we are going to need to be focused throughout the whole game, even if we are five nil up. Teams like that could easily make a comeback if you switch off and let them have control of the game - once you give them control then you will struggle to get it back. Other than switching off towards the end, I thought that the second half was a repeat of the first half against Wales, and there were times where we looked quite poor. Neither team were able to make the net ripple and we won, comfortably, 3-0.
Well, here we are again. The quarter finals; can we hold our nerve and compact everything we have in our lockers into this game? We will find out as we will face France on the 10th December and I can definitely say that this is not going to be easy. They have been conceding though so all we have to do is remain calm, wait for an opportunity to score and just keep tight at the back. It can be done.
Really well wrote and interestingly put!...thankyou Jack