England vs Senegal player ratings: Phil Foden shines as two players get 8s

England face a huge World Cup quarter-final against France after surviving a scare or two on their way to beating Senegal at Al Bayt Stadium.

Manager Gareth Southgate opted for a front three with Phil Foden on the left, with Raheem Sterling unavailable due to a family matter, but Marcus Rashford’s goals against Wales weren’t enough for him to start. Foden and Bukayo Saka justified their inclusion, though, both playing their part in a 3-0 victory.

Southgate’s team survived an early let-off when Ismaila Sarr fired over from close range, with Aliou Cisse’s side perhaps shading the opening half hour. Just as England fans began to worry, though, they took the lead as Jordan Henderson was on hand to finish off a quick break, and it was two before half-time thanks to Harry Kane.

A nervy opening saw Harry Maguire called into action to halt a dangerous Boulaye Dia run, while at the other end a Jude Bellingham cross worried Edouard Mendy but didn’t find an England head. Dia looked a danger throughout, forcing the first big save from the evening as Jordan Pickford stuck out a big left hand.

Less than 10 minutes later, England had the crucial first goal. Jude Bellingham had found space down the left more than once, and this time Henderson was on hand to tuck the cross away with a tidy first-time finish.

Moments before the half-time whistle, it was two. It came from another break, with Bellingham picking out Phil Foden who fed Harry Kane to calmly rifle past Mendy. Senegal made a triple change at the break as they looked for a way back into the game, but England pulled away in the second period.

There was no way back for Aliou Cisse’s men after Kane’s first-half effort, and instead England extended their lead as Saka sent another Foden delivery beyond Mendy. Here are MEN‘ s player rating from what ended up being a comfortable win at Al Bayt Stadium.

Jordan Pickford: Made a telling save when it was goalless from Boulaye Dia before Henderson and Kane settled matters in a quickfire double at the other end. 7/10

Kyle Walker: Retained in the starting XI, despite some calls to rest him with bigger games to come. He will benefit from more minutes in his injury comeback. 6/10

John Stones: Had one or two nervy moments in the opening 30 minutes as Senegal threw men forward and opted to press high. Recovered well 6/10

Harry Maguire: Picked up where he left off in the group stages with renewed confidence, aside from one bad pass that presented Senegal with a good chance before the opener. 7/10

Luke Shaw: Steady as you like at left-back and offered support further into the game. Keeping him match-fit is key due to the lack of cover in this position. 6/10

Declan Rice: Averted the Senegal danger whenever it arose in front of the back-four after initially struggling to get on the ball in the first half. 6/10

Jordan Henderson: Deserved his goal and picked up an advanced role, with Rice holding down the fort. Southgate will be delighted with his input 7/10

Jude Bellingham: Drove forward from the outset and was a stand-out for England, yet again. He plays way beyond his 19 years and his stock continues to rise and rise. 8/10

Bukayo Saka: Came in for Rashford after showing good form himself against Iran so it was not a complete shock as such. Scored and was a constant threat. 7/10

Phil Foden: Showed one or two neat touches in the first half and then made a telling mark with a lovely assist for Saka to make it game, set and match. 7/10

Harry Kane: Finally broke his duck for the tournament with a powerful finish. That after he underlined other assets which he brings to the team. 8/10

From the bench;

Marcus Rashford (Saka 64): Won his 50th cap but he didn’t need to repeat his Wales heroics. 6/10

Jack Grealish (Foden 64): Replaced his City teammate and showed one or two tricks at the end. 6/10

Eric Dier (Stones 77): No time to make an impression. N/A

Mason Mount (Bellingham 77): Handed a short cameo. N/A

Kalvin Phillips (Henderson 82): Sold for the brief amount of time he was on the pitch. N/A