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Gareth Southgate discusses what impressed him the most during England’s convincing win over Senegal.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate was impressed by England’s ruthlessness and off-the-ball work in their 3-0 win over Senegal.
England overcame a sluggish start to their round of 16 games and led 2-0 at the break thanks to goals from Harry Kane and Jordan Henderson. Bukayo Saka scored his third goal early in the second half to terminate the game as a contest and set up a mouthwatering match with World Cup winners France in the round of eight.
It took England some time to get going, but once they did, several key players stood out as they progressed through the gears and secured yet another convincing victory in Qatar.
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Speaking to ITV after the result, Southgate delivered his verdict: “I think the ruthlessness of our execution (pleased him most), but (also) the way the team worked off the ball and without the ball, I think in the end.
“I think we were a bit sticky with the ball in the first 25-30 minutes. Senegal had a lot of energy, they pressed well, their shape was good, and really our best opportunities came from winning the ball from them, and I thought Jude (Bellingham) and Hendo (Jordan Henderson) were outstanding in that aspect of the game.”
The two linked up to score England’s opener, which Southgate credited to their similar styles as ‘forward-running, forward-thinking midfielder players’, and added: “Hendo doesn’t get many for us, but I think he’s been outstanding. He’s such a leader, he knits the team together around the camp.
“He’s brilliant and I think his performances have been top draw for us.”